
Class 
Book- 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



*^ 



Keim's Illustrated Hand-Book. 



Washington and its Environs: 



DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK 



TO TIIE 



CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIM, 

JV^ashington Correspondent^ 

4irrM0B or "Sheridan's troopers on the borders," akd ''ixxTCNn 

OF SAN DOMINGO." 

REVISED ANNUALLY. 

FOURTEENTH EDITION.— Corrected to January, 1880. 



WASHINGTON CITY: 
FOR THE COMPILER. 

18S0. 



Entered according to Act ot ODngreas, in the year 1880. 

BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIM. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



NOTICE. — The compiler cautions all persons against infringement of copy- 
right of any of his publications, whether in maps, diagrams, illustrations, where 
originals, or in the material, or arrangement. Any such infringement will be rigor* 

cusly prosecuted under the copyright law. 



B. P. O-WEN, 

PRINTER, 

BEADING, PA. 



CONTENTS. 

LSee Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 



Preface v 

GenebaLi Ineormation ^^i 

Hotels, vii — Lodgings, vii — Boarding, viii — Restaurants, viii — 
Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for 
hire, xii — City Post Office, xii— Mails, xii — Rates of Postage, 
xiii — Telegraph Offices, xiii — Churches, xiii— Theatres, xiv — 
General Amusements, xiv— Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- 
malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- 
tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. 

Section I. 
Washington and the District of Columbia 1 

Washington, 1 — District of Columbia, 5. 

Section II. 
Description of the City 15 

Avenues, Squares, Statues, &c. 

Section III. 
Public Buildings and Grounds 55 

Historical Retrospect, 55— Capitol,^ 56 — History of Congress, 
118— President's House, 121— Department of State, 128— Treas- 
ury Department, 131— War Department, 136— Navy Depart- 
ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142— Patent Office, 
145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — 
Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 163— 
Army Medical Musuem, 166 — Government Printing Office, 
168— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— 
Navy- Yard, 174— Marine Barracks, 176 — Magazines 177 

Section IV. 
Places of General Interest 178 

Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 — 
Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 196-Churches, 
197- 'Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— 
/^sylum8, 202 — Cemeteries, 205 — District Government, 207 — 
Markets, 209— Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

(iii) 



IV CONTENTS. 

Section V. 
The Environs OF Washington 211 

Section VI. 

History of Washington 234 

Index 244 



Abbreviations. 

N., S., E., W., north, northern, northward, south, &c., 
ist, &c., west., &c. ; m., mile; sq. m., square mile; lbs., 
Dunds; r., right; 1., left"; hr., horn-; min., minute; yr , 
sar; a., acres; av., avenue; St., street; yds., yards. 



PEEFACE. 



The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive 

AND HiSTORICAIi HAND-BOOK TO THE CAPITAL OF THE 

United States has long been felt. Warden's Geographical 
and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- 
lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides 
compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- 
terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit 
of original research. The productions of a similar character 
IDublished since 1848, and especiallj^ the later ones, have been 
crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and 
noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- 
tion for the largest amount of money. 

The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these 
objections at least, and to give to the public a TIand-book 
of attractive and useful descriptive information about all 
places of interest in and around Washington, and at the 
same time to supply some appropriate historical data which 
may be valuable to carry away as a souvenir of a visit to the 
Seat of Government. 

In the preparation of the historical portions of the HAND- 
BOOK TO Washington and its Environs, original author- 
ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- 
ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners 
charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 
1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- 
as Jefferson, and others on the same subject ; the Statutes at 
Large ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- 
manent Seat of Government down to the present time; besides 
the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- 
papers. 

Respecting the descriptive features, all points of interest 
in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been 
personally visited and inspected. 

It is hoped, therefore, tliat the Hand-book will prove not 
only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- 
come and entertaining friend for f utiu-e perusal and refer- 
ence at the home fireside. 

The compiler is under obligations to many of the officers 

(V) 



^i PEEFACE. 

of the Grovernment ; and while desiring to recognize their 
kindness, finds it difficult to make distinctions by individuals : 
he therefore thanks them all. 

The general information has been compiled with special 
reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, 
in connection witli other useful matter, will be found to con- 
tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, 
churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- 
ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- 
venient and valuable. 

The remaining features of the HAND-BOOK Avill appear as 
the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. 

In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding 
Republic as the United States of America there are never- 
ending changes. To keep pace with these, it is the intention 
to annually revise and augment the Hand-book to Wash- 
ington AND ITS Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- 
rected to the latest period. 

The compiler does not presume that the Hand-book is 
faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, 
as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He 
will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pointed 
out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated 



by letter. 
Washington, D. C, 1879. 



DeB. R. K. 



PREFACE TO THE EDITION OF 1880. 

The success which has attended the earlier editions of 
this Handbook is accepted by the compiler as a sufficient 
guarantee of the public appreciation of its merit as the 
most complete and reliable work of the kind for reference 
and information ever published at the Capital. In view 
of this fact, the present edition has not only been thor- 
oughly revised, but the scope of information and number 
of illustrations materially enlarged. The illustrations are 
from wood by such eminent artists and engravers as Ross 
Turner, Schell, H. H. Nichols, and not by cheap, patent, 
mechanical processes, as in other works. K. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 




I HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit the 
National Capital, when most attractive in point 
of beauty of nature and art, and without reference 
to the fashionable and congressional season, should 
arrive in May or June, or October or November. 
The hottest mouths are July and August. The 
winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. 
The health of the city at all seasons is unexceptionable. For 
oflScial and social seasons see Etiquette. 

Hotels, — The National Capital has a number of hotels, 
some of which will compare favorabl}^ with the best in the 
countrj^ They are all located upon or conveniently acces- 
sible to the difterent lines of street cars connecting the Ex- 
ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- 
ern portions of the city. The following are the principal 
hotels and charges per day : The Arlington^ Vermoat av., 

near H St. N., $3.50; Ebbitt, Fst., corner of 14th st. W., $3.50; IVdlards' , 
Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. W.,$4. : Metrodolitan, Pennsylvania av., 
between 6th and 7th sts. W., $3 ; [mperial, E st. N., between 13th and 14th 
sts. \V.,$2.5o; National, Pennsylvania av.. corner of 6th st. W. $3 ; Riga's^ 
Fifteenth st., bet. F and G sts. NW.,$4. lite St. Jauies, corner Pennsylvania 
av. and 6th st. W., is on the Eu>'ofi-^a'i plan, rooms from ;Si to $6. There are 
also other hotels on the A»iericj.n and European plans, suited to all classes, and 
at proportionate rates. 

Lodgings. — Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- 
ington, and desirous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- 
ings in the vicinit}' of all the hotels, and in different parts of 
the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- 
ated an unusual demand for this style of ae^omraodations, 
and every grade, from elegawt suites* down to unpreten-ding 
j^iiglf' apartments, may be foand. TIk' rates for roruiM 
would range from $25 for ski^*;!© rooms to $100 juid upwards 
a month for suites. Person.^ remainhng less than a montti 
can also be supplied with quarters. 

Boarding. — Many liou.^es in wliich lod^'ings can be secured 
also provide dally board, ranging from $25 to $35 a month for 
each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders 
at $45 a month for eacli person. 

(vii) 



Vlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Eestaurants. — A number of excellent restaurants can be 
found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently 
persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take 
their meals nearest where they may happen to be at the 
hoiu- of dining. The charges at restaurants are about the 
same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. 
Tliere are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- 
ments to any in the large cities of the j^orth. Cuisine 
excellent. 

Railroads. — [See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing 
from Washington have a choice of routes to ail parts of the 
United States. 

Depots. — The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for the North, East, and 
West^ N. E. cor. New Jersey av, and C St., NW. 

Baltimore and Potomac Railroad for the North, South, East, and 
West, 6th St. immediately south of Pennsylvania av. 

Local trains^ for Alexandria, leave the Baltimore and Potomac Depot at 
short intervals. 

The- BrtinckTicket Offices of each road are convenient to the principal hotels. 

SleeJ>irt^ Cars are attached to all through night trains. Tickets may be pro- 
cured at railroad ticket offices. 

Bao^g-age will be called for and checked to all the principal cities of the United 
States, by leaving orders at the railroad ticket offices. 

!v3ih depots vaay be reached by the Pennsylvania av., and F, and 9th st. 
lines ofstreet railways. 

Steamers depart from Washington or Georgetown at 

stated times for Landings on the Potomac River and Chesapeake bay ; for 
Baltimore and Norfolk ; also for Philadelphia, New York and Boston. (See 
tJie daily prijits.) The Wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached 
by ihe Pennsylvania av. street cars exchanging at 7th street going south. 

Street Oars. — All parts of 'vVashington may be reached 

Capitol, North O., and South Washington Railway or "Belt Line," 
incorporated 1875 cars every few minutes during the day, begins on Maryland 
av. and 3d, to 7th, through Virginia av. passing near the Natic^nal Museum 
and the Smithsonian Institute ; through i2tti st, passing the Dept. of Agricuh- 
ure, to Ohio av., to 14 st W, to Pennsylvanii av., through E st N. to 11 st W., 
thence, O st N (cars returning take P st instead ,6f O si) to 4 st W,to G st N, 
into ist st W, pasing near the Capitol and the Botanical Garden, to Marj-land 
av., to the starting point, making the circuit of the best portions of North and 
and South Washington. Intersects all the principal street railwaj- lines. 

Uniontown and 7th St. W. Railway, (Potomac and Anacostia) runs 
from 7th st W, through M st S, to 11 st E, passing the Navy Yard, thence 
across the Navy Yard Bridge to Uniontown, 

The tickets of one street railway are good on all other lines. Fare 5 cents 
six tickets for 25 cents. Exchanges given on branches of the same line. 

Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incorporated 1862, cars 
every few min. during the day, start on Bridge St., at High, Georgetown, cross 
Rock Creek over a fine iron bridge, follow Pennsylvania av. , passing Mills' 
Statue of Washington, .Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette Square, War Depart- 
ment, President's House, and Treasury. At 15th st. W. connect with the cars 
QWCn& \\th Street 2l\\A Columbia Raihoays. Exchange tickets given for the 
former. At the S. end of the Treasury they again enter Pennsylvania av., 
which they follow the entire length of the business quarter of the ciiv. ■•-ssi'v.j 
the v,eiitre Market Botanical Garden and 7iaval mo7iument. At alh st'. W. th^v 



X GENERAL INFORMATION. 

intercept the Metropolitan line N. and S. ; and at 7th st. W. 
connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch K. and S. On 
the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W. gate of the 
Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad Depot eveiy 10 min. daring the day, and 
the other to the r. for the Capitol or Navy Yard^ every 5 min. 
during the day. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- 
sengers to the E. front of the House, or S. extension of the 
Capitol. The main line continues along B st. S. to Pennsjd- 
vania av., and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine 
Barracks to the Kavy Yard. 

Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- 
ing the day, start on Xew York av. at 15th st. W., IKTE. ol 
the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence iN". to 
boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle 
Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsyl- 
vania av. line. 

Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- 
ing the day, start at the boundai*y, follow the same street 
across the city to the Potomac river, passing the K. Market, 
Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- 
Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- 
lumbia Railway, and at F st. N. the Metropolitan line. On 
Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- 
change tickets given E . or W. Tlie cars now pass the Cen- 
tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion grounds on 
r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount 
Vernon, and other steamers. 

Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 
4 min. during tlie daj^ start on 17th st., W. of the Navy 
and jSTew State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the 
State, War, and Navy Departments, and Corcoran Art Gal- 
lery to H st. ; here tlie Georgetown branch leaves ; thence 
passing Lafayette Square to i4th st. ; thence to F st., inter- 
secting the i4th St. and Columbia Railways at New York 
av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and 
S., on which exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent 
and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7th st. line; thence to 
5th St. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; 
thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C 
St., passing the Baltimore and Ohio depot to Delaware av. ; 
thence to B st. N., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; 
thence to the Senate extension. 

Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars 
every 6 min. during the day. Same as the main line going 
W. Cars leave that at H and 17th sts. NW. ; thence to' Con- 
necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Circle, intersecting the 



GENERAL INFORMATION. . XI 

Connecticut av. and Park Railway ; thence along P st., cross- 
ing Kock Creek over a fine bridge, entering West St., George- 
town ; thence to High ; thence to Fayette, where it passes the 
Convent of the Visitation ; thence to 2d ; thence to High ; 
thence to Dunbarton ; tlience to Montgomery ; thence to 
West, where tlie return track follows the outward, back to 
Washington. The East Co^jYoZ extension continues on B st. 
N. to 1st E. ; thence to East Capitol St., and thence to Lin- 
coln Square, the present terminus. It will be extended E. 
on the same street to tlie Anacostia. 

Ninth Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 min. during 
the day, start at Boundary; thence, passhig jMount Vernon 
Place, the Patent Oflice and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB 
St. At New York av. they intersect the Columbia Kailway. 
At F St. exchange tickets are given E. and W. OnB st. the 
cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7th st. line. 
On 6tli St. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- 
souri av. ; thence to 4J st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. 

Silver Springs Branch, of Metropolitan road starts at 
the N. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. 
road a distance of 1^ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and 
Howard LTniversitj^, and terminates at present at the road to 
the Soldiers' Home and Rock Creek Church. 

Columbia Railway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 
min. during the day, start on New York av. at loth st. W., 
NE. of the^Treasury ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross 
the Metropohtan and 14tli st. lines ;' at 9th st. W. the Metro- 
politan, passing Mount Vernon Place, to Massachusetts av. 
At 7th St. they cross that line ; thence to H st. N. ; thence to 
the boundary, passing the Government Printing Ofiice. At 
the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge 
road commence. 

Connecticut Avenue and Park Railway, incorpo- 
rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- 
tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. 
Circle, and runs to boundary. 

Fares. — The rate of fare on the Washington and George- 
town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket 
on the 14th and 7th st. branches N. and S. The fare on the 
Metropolitan line is 7 cents for single tickets, or ten for 50 
cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five for 25 cents. Transfers 
N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. brarich. The fare on the 
Columbia line is 5 cts. 

Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction 
of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway 
having akeady been laid. 



Xii GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Vehicles for hire. — Eates of fare established by law for 
hacks, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- 
lumbia. 

Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. in. 
12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. 

For one or two passengers in a one- f Perh'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. 

horse vehicle. 1 Pertrip.To cts. Per trip, gl 12. 

For one or two passengers, four- |Perhour,$l 5U. Per hour; 52 25. 

seated vehicle drawn by two -(Per trip, ex- Per trip, exceed- 

horses, within the city. (, ceed'gln-i.,Sl. 1 m., $1 50. 

And for each add.'tional passenger, 50 cts. 
One mile or less, one half these rates. 

For one or two passengers, four- p^^ ^ ^^ 50_ p^^. j ^^ .5. 

seated vehicle drawn by two per trip, exceed- Per trip, exceed- 

horses, from Washington to or ^ |^ q^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^3 ^^^^ 

from Georgetown. ' o ' 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 

One mile or less, one half these rates. 

One-horse vehicle does not include buggies and phaetons. 

In all cases where a veliicle is not engaged by the hour, it 
will be considered as being engaged by the trip. 

Special rates are charged for excursions. 

If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police 
station, where officers in charge'will immediately decide the 
case. 

In every case require a ticket of the driver before starting. 

City Post Office. On Louisiana av. S. side, near 7th and Pennsylvania 
av. NW. Hours for the arrival and departure of the mails bulletined at the 
office. 

The Money Order Office is in the second story of the same building. 
Open from 9 -a. m. to 4 p. m. 

Telegraph Offices. Western Union, cor. 15th and F st. NW. Atlantic & 
Pacific, on Pennsylvania av. near 14th st. W, N. side. 

Eates of Postage.— Domestig.— Letters to any part of the 
United States, 3 cents for each J ounce or fraction thereof. 
Letters within any city, 2 cents where free delivery ; other 
offices, 1 cent. Registered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, 
in addition to tlie regular postage. At least' one fjiU rate 
must be paid on letters to secure their transmission. Printed 
books, package limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- 
der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof. 
I^ewspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient 
matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. 

FoKEiGN. — The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- 
ers it advisable to omit a table of foreioii postages. All ne- 
cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIU 



OhxLfches.— The following list of places of religious worship 
is merely designed for the use of visitors in the city, and 
therefore embraces only tlie representative churches of each 
denomination. For convenience of reference, iWs arranged 
alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. 
M. and 7 to 8 P. 3i., according to the season of the year. 



Baptist ; E street, E 
St N between 6 & 7 W.; 
Calvary, cor H & 8 sts. 
N W. 

Catholic Roman ; 
St. Aloysiiis,cor I & N, 
Capitol sts ; St. Domi- 
nic, cor 6th & F sts 

5 W. ; St Matthew, cor 
H&i5StsNW. 

CONGREGA T I O N A L ; 

cor 10 & G sts N W. 

Episcopal Protest- 
ant; Ascension,cor 12th 
St and Massachusetts 
av. NW ; Epiphany, G. 
St between 13 & 14 
NW. St. John's, cor 16 

6 H sts N W. 
Episcopal Metho- 
dist; Foundry ,cor G & 
14 sts NW. Metropoh- 
tan,cor4>4&CstsNW. 

Episcopal Metho- 
dist (South); Mt. Ver- 
non, cor 9 & K sts NW 

German Reformed; 
First, 6andNstsNW.; 
German A M, EngHsh 
PM. 

Hebrew ; Washing- 
ton Hebrew congrega- 
tion, 8th St between H 
& I sts NW. Services 
every Friday 7 P. M & 
Sabbath (Saturday) 9 
A. M. 

Lutheran ; Trinity, 
cor E & 4th sts NW.; 
Memorial N and 14th 
sts N W. 

Presbyterian; 
Fourth, 9th bet G & 
HstsNW; New York 
av.. New York av be- 
tween 13 & 14 sts NW. 

Unitarian; All 
Souls', cor 14 & L sts 
NW. 

Universalist ; serv- 
ices in Talmage Hall, 
F between 9 & 10 sts. 

There are also many 
fine churches for col- 
ored people. 




The Ascension Church (page 197). 



XIV 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 




The Cexsus Office. 

Theatres. — The best pLiees of amttsement in the city are 
Ford''s Opera House, on 9th st. W., immediately S. of Pemi- 
sylvaiiia av., and the National Theatre, on E st. N., bet. 13th 
and 14t}i sts. i^W. Here the standard comedies and trage- 
dies and plays of tlie day are performed by excellent stock 
companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by 
Italian, German, or English opera, and the presence of the- 
atrical "stars." 

General Amusements.— Concerts and lectures take place 
almost every night, and will aflbrd recreation for those who 
prefer this character of entertainment. 

Etiquette, Ceremonies, and Formalities. — The population 
of Washington is divided into two classes : official and unoffi- 
cial, and society admits of the same classification. The fii*st 
includes those actively associated with the various branches 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV 

and departments of the Government and retired officers of 
the Army and Xavj' and families. The second includes resi- 
dents in the capital not in official employment, and visitors. 

The Season. — The fasldonahle season commences with 
the New Year's receptions, and ends witli the beginning of 
Lent. During" this period life at the capital is extremely gay. 
The congressional season begins on the lirst Monday in De- 
cember of each year, and, witli a recess during the Christmas 
holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or 
July in the even years. During the months of July, August, 
and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the 
capital for places of summer resort. 

RECEPTION'S. — The reception season begins on New Year's 
day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. The days for after- 
noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families 
of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- 
trict. The announcements are made daily during the season 
in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 
8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening- 
receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily 
newspapers. 

Titles — The following are the forms of address used in 
conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. Pi-esident ; to 
members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, Mi\ Postmaster Gen- 
eral, Mr. Attornej' General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Presi- 
dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of 

the Supreme Court, and Mr. , for Representatives. The 

latter frequently have titles, as Judge, &c. Official commu- 
nications should be addressed, "Totlie President, ''To the 
Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, the Sec- 
retary of State," &c., or "The Honorable D. W., Secretary of 
State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the 
name. The form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. 

President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &c. The 

following form of address for certain officers would be better 
than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The 
Premier; other membei'S of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. 

Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended. 
a card, containing the name and residence in the city, should 
be sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the 
hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- 
nized by cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally 
issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President 
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes 
the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person 
called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the 
card, to nidicate that called in person ; if the call be upon 



XVI GENERAL INFORMATION, 

the family, under the same circumstances, turn down the 
right end. In makino- a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the 
lower edge of the card. 

A stranger, in callmg uj)on officials, or at receptions, should, 
if his name be not announced by an usher or by card, men- 
tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. 

Invitations.— In all cases, in\dtations to dimier should 
be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligatory to 
respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- 
quired in the letters B. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- 
nize them formallj^. Invitations to evening receptions do 

not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S 

presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with 

pleasm-e his inritation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- 
day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, 
for evening entertainments. 

Calls. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President 
and wife are not required to return calls ; other members oi 
the family can. The lower officials should always call first 
upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p. m. 
Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The 
first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- 
gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with 
• pi'opriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to 
pay respects," by the usher. 

Dress. — For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such 
di-e^s for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- 
ety for morning calls should be worn. At all evening recep- 
tions and dinner paiiies^ full evening dress for ladies and 
gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- 
tl'='men, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, 
and light gloves. 

The President. — Cabinet clays^ Tuesdays and Fridays, 
hours of meeting 12 M. Business hours : During the session 
of Congress, the President receives Senators and Represen- 
tatives from 10 A. M. to 12 M. every day, except Sunday, and 
the public, by card through the usher in the ante-room, from 
12 M. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The 
number admitted during hours is governed entu-ely by the 
time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons 
desiring to pay their respects oirly, should note ''''to pay res- 
pects'''' on their cards, and call the attention of the officer in 
in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- 
gress, the President, when not absent from the Capital, usu- 
ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. 

The President and family receive socially in the evening. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XVll 

These visits, however, are only made by those warranted by 
their acquaintance to call upon them. 

Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon 
their first arrival at the Capital, are presented in the Blue- 
Room, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, witli the 
consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation 
consists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the 
President. 

The President's levees are announced through the press. 
No further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the 
Capital are at liberty to call. The hours are usually from 8 
to f p. M. Music by the INIarine Band. No dress is pre- 
scribed, though it is eminently pi'oper to appear in the even- 
ing dress dictated by good society. Enter by the N. door, 
where the ushers will direct to the cloak roems., TJaen enter 
the Red, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President 
receives. Announce name to the Marshal of the District, 
who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of 
Public BuUdings and Grounds presents to the wife of the 
President. After paying respects, in order to make room 
for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green 
and thence into the East-Room. 

The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- 
ways, held by the wife of the President, on such days as she 
may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, 
generally selected in alphabetical order from the wives of 
Senators and Members, who, by their official i)ositions, are 
entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours, 2 to 
5 p. m. No invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty 
to attend. The President, after ofRce hours, often assists. 
Presentations are made in the Bine Room by the Engineer 
in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as 
in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the 
door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as recognized 
by good society as suitable for morning calls. Tliese recep- 
tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- 
ital to view the suits of parlors, state diningl-oom, and con- 
servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these 
occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green 
and East Rooms. The corridor which leads fi-om the East 
Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The 
President, during the winter, gives state dinners, to which 
thirty-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- 
ators and Representatives, selected alphabetical!}'. Their 
wives are also included. The President also invites promi- 
nent officers of the Government in recognized order. 

On New Tear''s day the President receives in the following 



XVlll , GENERAL INFORMATION. _ 

order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; 
judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; Senators 
and Representatives in Congress; the Governor of the Dis- 
trict of Cohirabia and suite; judges of the courts of the Dis- 
trict of Cokmibia and of the United States Coiu't of Claims ; 
officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart- 
ments; Solicitor General ; associations and the public. 

Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court.— La- 
dies receive on Monday. Return visits. First call must be 
made upon them. 

Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. 

General, of the Army. — ^Reception of lady, Mondays. 
Expect the first call. The General's receptions are by card, 
unless otherwise announced in the newspapers. 

Admiral OF ^he jSTIVy. — Same as for General of the 
ArmjT-, except evening receptions always by card. 

The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet *Ministers usually 
/eceiye on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are 
at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher 
at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- 
net Ministers. The ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The 
first call must be made upon them. 

Senators and Representatives.— Ladies receive on 
Thursdaj^s. Calls must be first made upon them. 

Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of 
ladies announced in the newspapers. Open to all. Evening 
by card. First call must be made. 

Diplomatic Corps. — Invitations are issued to all enter- 
tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic 
eveniiigs for members of the corps and families, and such 
others as the lady personally invites. 

Residents.— The ladies of the families of residents at the 
capital not in official life, call first. Tlieir days at home are 
generall}^ marked on their cards. 

Social precedence.— 1, The President; 2, the Chief 
Justice ; 3, the Vice Pi-esident : 4, tlie Speaker ; o, the Gen- 
eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the Navy; 7, the Cabi- 
net, Secretary of State, Treasury, -War, ISTavy, Postmaster 
General, Sec]-etary of the Interior, and Attorney General; 8, 
Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- 
gress; and, 11, Governor of the District. 

Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad manners 
into the society of the President's House. The President, by 
virtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- 
tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which 
are recognized in the surroundin^-s of any. American gentle- 
man's home should be accorded to the home of t!ie Presidents 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIX 



Distances from Washington. 



Capitals of Statc-s or Territories arc in capital li-tteis. 



MILES, 

Albany, N. Y 374 

Albuquerque, N.M..215G 

Alexandria. Va 7 

Annapolis, Md 42 

Atlanta, Ga 721 

Augusta. Me G31 

Austin. Texas 1781 

Baltimore, Md 40 

Boise City, Idaho. ..2G(j7 

Boston, IMass 458 

Brownsville, Tex. .1940 

Buffalo, N.Y 44() 

Cairo, Illinois 077 

Carson City, Nev...2!t.50 

Charleston. S. C 587 

Cheyenne. \Vy. T....1850 

Chicago, III 842 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... (Jll 

Columbia, S. C 519 

Columbus. Ohio 535 

CoNCOKD, N. H 503 

Deer LoDGE.Mon.T.2700 

Denver, Col. T 1950 

Desmoines. Iowa 1162 

Detroit. Mich 692 

Dover. Del 159 

Duluth.Minn 1437 

Erie, Pa 466 

Fort Abercrombie,1.507 
Fort Benton, M.T..3130 
Fort Berthold, D.T.2186 
Fort Bliss, Tex .... 2523 
Fort Boise, Idaho..2G69 



miles. 
Fort Bridger,Wy.T.2349 
Fort Dodge, Kan...l586 

Fort Fetterman 1984 

FortGibson,Ch.Na.l387 

Fort Hays. Kan 1525 

Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 
Fort Laramie, W.T.1906 
Fort Leavenworth. .1263 
Fort Randall, D. T.1535 
Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 
Fort NVavne, Ind... 694 

Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 

Frankfort, Ky 731 

Galveston, Texas. ..1556 

Harrisburg, Pa 125 

Hartforp, Conn 342 

Indianapolis, Ind... 715 

Jackson, Miss 1082 

Jefferson City, Mo.1077 
Kansas City, Mo... .1234 

Lansing, Mich 742 

Leavenworth, Kan.1260 
Little Rock, Ark. ..1115 

Louisville. Ky 720 

MADisoN.Wis 974 

Memphis, Tenn 934 

Milledgevilie. (^a.. 698 

Milwaukee, Wis 927 

Mobile, Ala 1082 

Montgomery, Ala ... 896 

Montpelier, Vt 556 

Nashville. Tenn.... 775 
New Haven, Conn.. 307 



MILES. 

New Orleans, La. ...1250 

New York, N. Y 229 

Norfolk, Va 233 

Olympia, Wash. T...3982 

Omaha, Neb 1298 

Pensacola, Fla 105O 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 130 

Pittsburg, Pa 374 

Por.land, Ore .,3952 

"•PROVIDENCK, R. 1 419 

Raleigh, N. C 3ia 

Richmond, Va 130 

Sacramento, Cal 3072 

Saint Louis, Mo 952 

Saint Paul, Minn,.128& 

Salem, Ore 3834 

Salt Lake City U.T.2464 
San Francisco, Cal. 3155- 
San Juan Is., W. T.4047 
Santa Fe, N. Mex...2093 

Savannah, Ga 691 

Tahlequ.ah, Ind. T..130O 

Sitka, Alaska.., 4535 

Springfield, 111 92» 

Tallahassee, Fla 953 

TopEKA,Kan 1302 

Trenton, N. J 170 

Tucson, Ar. T 2628 

Vancouver, W. T...3970 
Virginia Citv, M.T.26S7 
Wheeling, W. Va.... 401 
Wilmington, Del... Ill 
Yankton, D. T 1449 



Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to 



miles. 

Belize 1410 

Berlin .-3840 

Buenos Ayres 4870 

Calcutta ..8.580 

Callao 3168 

Caracas 1830 

Cape Good Hope. ...7380 

Cape Horn 64.50 

Chuquisaca 3670 

Constantinople 4870 

Georgetown, Br. G.2230 
Havana 1250 



miles. 

Honolulu 4650 

Jerusalem 5490 

Lima 3180 

Lisbon 3180 

London 3300 

Mexico 1680 

Nicaragua 1740 

Panama.. 1840 

Paris 3480 

Pekin 7680 

Rio de Janeiro 4300 



miles. 

Rome 40SO 

San Domingo 1300 

San Juan 1380 

San Salvador 1650 

Santiago, Chili 4700 

Spanishtown, Jam..l290 

St. Petersburg 4290 

Sj'-dney, Aus 9150 

Tehauntepec. 1620 

Vera Cruz 1560 

Vienna 4110 



general information; 

Differences of Time. 

Table showing the mean time at 39 places in the United Statu 
and Foreign Countries, u hen it is mean noon at Washington, 
D. 0., United States of America. 



* Signifies forenoon and f afternoon, 
servatories of all places marked (o.) 



Time computed from the ob- 



h. 

Albany, N.Y (o) f 

Alexandria, Egypt. f 7 

Astoria, Oregon * 8 

Augusta, Maine f 

Baltimore, Md f 

Berlin, Prussia (o) f 6 

Boston, Mass f 

Cambridge, Mass... (o) f 

€«Tit6n, China * 

Charleston, S. C * 11 

Chicago, 111 * 11 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 11 
Detroit, Michigan.. * 11 
•Greenwich, Eng.... (o) f 5 

Honolulu, S.I * 6 

Jeddo, Japan « 2 

Lieavenworth, Kan. * 10 

Lima, Peru ♦ 11 

Liverpool, Eng (o) t 4 

London, Eng (o) f ^ 



m. 


S. 


13 


13 


7 


44 


52 


57 


23 


52 


1 


45 


1 


46 


23 


58 


23 


42 


41 


18 


48 


30 


17 


41 


30 


13 


36 


2 


8 


11 


36 


44 


28 


12 


49 


16 


69 


41 


56 


11 


2 


12 



Louisville, Ky 

Melbourne, Aus'lia 

Memphis, Tenn 

Mexico, Mex 

Milwaukee, Wis 

Mobile, Alabama... 

Montreal, C. E 

Moscow, Russia 

New Orleans, La.... 

New York, N.Y 

Panama, C. A 

Paris, France 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 

Rome, Italy 

Salt Lake, Utah 

San Francisco, Cal. 

St. Louis, Mo 

Vienna, Austria 

Washington, D. C... 



h. 

til 

* 2 

* II 

* 10 

* 11 

* 11 
t 

(o)t 7 

* 11 
t 

* 11 



(o)t 

(0) 

io) 



5 

5 

* 9 

* 8 
» 11 

(0)t 6 
(O) 



m. 


s. 


26 


12 


43 


5 


I 


40 


31 


50 


16 


35 


16 


6 


14 





38 


28 


8 


12 


12 


12 


50 


15 


17 


33 


7 


34 


58 


6 


39 


48 


68 


25 


T 


11 


13 


44 









• SECTION I. 

WASHINGTON AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



WASHINGTON. 




I HE Seat of Government of the .United States 
of America lias been appropriately called "the 
Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive 
j urisdiction of Congress had early received the atten- 
tion of the legislators of the new Eepublic; indeed, 
before the clamor of war had fairly ceased, or the 
royal standard of England had left its shores. The posses- 
sion of such a territory was an important featm'e in the de- 
bates upon the framing of the Constitution ; and it was pre- 
cisely forty-eight days after the last act of ratiiication, that 
the Federal City of the American Republic was by solemn en- 
actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- 
pendent States located on the beautifid eastern shore of the 
broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- 
ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its fo.iuidation was 
simultaneous with tlie inauguration of the permanent form of 
government of the nation. Of being synchronous it lacked less 
than two years. Tlie idea and the execution were essentially 
American . It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It 
s^prang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence 
were to be measm-ed by the progress and taste of the people 
who constituted the Government of which it was to be the 
political head and centre and the permanent residence. 

Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, 
in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersbm-g, 
now the seat of the imperial residence of the Autocrat of all 
tlie Russias, rose out of the morasses of the Neva at the will 
of the great Peter. It was long what its founder called it, a 
iook-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, 
in the fertile Moskva, left tlie sheltering walls of the Krem- 
lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal 
residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis 
XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone culpable of an 



Z GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. 

exhibition of extravagance such as this. The genius of Le 
Briin and Le Notre, and the expenditure of two hundred 
millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its 
name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- 
ness of a luxurious and dissolute court. Rome, the city of 
over twenty-six centuries, was government and capital , when 
Romulus, with his handful of Latins on the w^estern slope of 
the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabines on the Capitoline and 
the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the Cselian and Esquiline, 
gathered around the forum, and laid the foundation of that 
career of greatness and power, which justly earned the proud 
title of Mistress of the World. But republican Rome rose 
on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of the Tarquins. Impe- 
rial Rome superseded the colossal fabric of the Republic of 
the Consuls, the Tribunes, and the Triumvirs. Pontifical 
Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- 
rial Caesars. The Rome of to-daj', the capital of United 
Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while 
Washington is the maiden, of capitals. 

Geographical Location. — Washington the Federal, or Capi- 
tal Citj^ of the United States of America, is situated on the 
left or eastern bank of the Potomac River, between the 
Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock 
Creek, 106|^ m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac 
River, by ship channel, from abreast the red buoy off Point 
Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf's Point, and 185^ m. from 
the buoy 1^ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- 
peake Bay. The distance by air line to the mouth of the 
Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake 
Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to 
the sea-coast, just below Cape Henlopen, the nearest point, 
is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels 
of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38|^ m., and 
Herring Bay 39 m. 

The latitade of Washington (capitol) is 38° 52^ 20^^ north, long- 
itude 76° 55' 3C .54 west of Greenwich, and 79° 15' 41'' .69 
west of Paris, both ascertained in 1821, under authprity of 
Congress, by William Lambert of Virginia. 

The site of the city and the location of the public reservations, squares, Cap- 
itol and President's House, were selected by President Washington. The only- 
direct reference to the location of the public buildings within the limits of the 
territory then accepted, was contained in a proviso in the amendatory act of 
Congress, approved March 30, 1791, requiring their erection on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac. When the city was located, the northern limit of the 
United States was lat. 46° N. and the southern 31° N., placing Washington but 
23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre along the Atlantic Coast. 
The centre is now in the vicinity of Newberne, North Carolina, or 233 miles S. 
Another important consideration in those primitive days was the fact, that on 



4 AREA. 

no part of the coast, within the bounds of the country, was there accessible to 
sea-going vessels a port situated so far inland. 

The distances from the National Capitol to the remote points within the vast 
domain now under the jurisdiction of the republic, indicate the wonderful ex- 
tension of area attained by conquest and purchase daring the first century of 
growth, viz To the north-eastern boundary on New Brunswick, 750 miles ; 
Rouse's Point, northern boundary, 598 miles; Cape Flattery, the extreme 
north-western boundary, on the Pacific Ocean, 4102 miles , Sitka, the capita! 
of the Alaskan Possessions, 4535 miles ; to San Francisco, western boundary, 
on the Pacific Ocean, 3155 miles; Key West, Florida, 1494 miles ; Brownsville, 
Texas, the Mexican frontier, 1946 miles. ]^For table of distances frdm VVush- 
ington to the principal cities of the United States and the world ^ see General 
Information^ 

Area. — The plot of the citj'- lies on the W. side of the 
tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of 
Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers 6,111 a., 
or a little over 9^- sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces 
comprise 2,554 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- 
nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 3,016 a. The greatest 
length is from W. to S. of E. ; or from Rock Creelc, between 
I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., 
on B St. S., 4.57 m. The earlier plot is extended to olst 
St. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject 
to tidal inundation, and are generally excluded from tlie 
later maps. The greatest breadth of the city is W. of N., 
from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Arsenal Grounds, to 
Boundary, at 11 St. ¥^.,3.78 m. The mean width from E. 
to W. is ovef 4 m., and length 2\ m. The city lies 4 m. 
along the Potomac and about 3J m. along the Anacostia. 

The following is a comparison of the geographical location, area and popula- 
tion of Washington with the leading capitals of Europe: Washington.— Lat. 
38^ 52' 20" N. On Potomac Tliver, io6J^ m. from its mouth. Area gj^ sq. m , 
and 14 in. in circuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. London.— Lat. (St. Paul's), 
51° 30 48" N. On Thames River, 50 m. from its mouth. Area of old city i 
sq. m. With city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs, 31,313 sq. m. 
Population, 1870, 3,215,000. Paris. — Lat. 48"^ 50' 12" N. On the Seine River, 
! 10 m from its mouth. Area 14 sq. m. Population, 1871, 1,050,000. Berlin. 
— Lat. 52° 30' 16" N. On Spree River. Area 6,800 a,, and 10 m. in circuit. 
Population, 820,000. St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59° 56' N. On the Neva River, 
near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 in width. Population. 667,000. 
Vienna. — Lat. 48° 12' N. On the Wein River, near the Danube. Circuit 15 
m. Population, 1872, 640,000. Rome. —Lat 41° 54' 06" N. On the Tiber 
River, 17 m. from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. 

Government. — The municipal form of 1801, with amend- 
ments at various times, continued for nearly three-quarters 
of a century. In 1871 it was superseded by the territorial 
form, which was abolished by Act of Congress, June 20, 
1874, and a government of three commis:sioners substituted. 
{See Government, District of Columbia.) 

Finances. — (>SVt' District of Columbia.) 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 5 

Population. — The population of the city, bv decades, sioce 
its foundation, was 1800, 3,210 ; 1810, 8^208 ; 1820, 13,247 ; 
1830, 18,826; 1840, 23,364; 1850, 40,001; J860, 61,122; 1870. 
109,199. In 1870, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 13. 
Born in the District of 'Columbia, 42,694 ; in other States, 
52,748; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz: Ireland, 6,948; 
Germany, 4,133; England, 1,235; Scotland, 299; British 
America, 239 ; Italy, 175 ; Switzerland, 146 ; all other foreign 
countries, 582. 

Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; famili'.'s. 
21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; dwellings, No., 19,54-'); 
persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupation.-, 
41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and professional services, 
26,109: male, 15,596; female, 10,513 ; trade and transpoil- 
ation, 5,296; mannfactiu-es, mechanical, and m.ining indus- 
-ries, 9,499. 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The Federal Territory, or District of Columbia, is situ- 
ated on the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, at the 
confluence of the Anacostia or Eastern Branch of that 
stream. 

Boundaries. —The District of Columbia comprises 64 
square miles. It lies entirely within the State of Maryland, 
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county, on 
the east and south by Prince George county, and west by 
the Potomac River. 

T\v& Federal territory as originally located by President Washington, under 
authority of the Constitution of the United States, and national and state legis- 
lation, formed a square of lo miles (loo sq. m.). The bounds were proclaimed 
by the President March 30, 1791. On Friday, April 15, of the same year, at 
3 P. M., the municipal authorities of Alexandria, Virginia, repaired to the 
house in which the commissioners of Washuigton were residing, and after uni- 
ting with them in a glass of wine, to the sentiment '' May the stone which we 
are about to place in the ground remain an immovable monument of the wis- 
dom and unanimity of North America," the company proceeded to Jones' 
Point, or tbe upper cape which projects into the Potomac River on the Vir- 
ginia side or right.bank, at the confluence of Hunting Creek, then i mile E. of 
S. of the Court House oi Alexandria, in the following ordei : Town Sergeant; 
Daniel Carroll, Commissioner, and the Mayor of Alexandria ; Andrew EUicott, 
Surveyor and the [Reorder ; the Altlermen and Common Council, not Free 
Masons; strangers, .Master of Lodge No. 22, F. A. M. of Alexandria, with 
David Stewart, Commissioner, on his right, and James Muir, Pastor of that 
Episcopal parish on his left, followed by the rest of the fraternity and citizens. 



6 GOVERNMENT. 

Ellicott, " Geographer General," then ascertained the precise location r 
Jones' Point, as defined by the President's proclaination, whereupon the Mas- 
ter of the Lodge aud Dr. Stewart, aided by the craft, planted the initial or 
corner-stone of the Federal Territory, in accordance with the impressive rites 
of Masonry. The Rev. James Muir delivered an address. After parcaking of 
refreshments, the procession returned to the city, and closed the ceremonies of 
the day with a banquet and appropriate toasts and speeches. From this initial 
stone Mr. Ellicott, during the ensuing year, laid down the lines ot boundary as 
directed by the President's proclamation. The first at an angle of 45° W. of 
N.,^a distance of 10 m., into the State of Virginia; the j^cowif also starting at 
the initial point, at a right angle with the first, or N. E. , across the Potomac, 
10 m., into the State of Maryland, and the remaining two lines from the ter- 
mini of the first two and at right angles with them, respectively, N. E. and 
N. W., until they met each other in a point. The original Territory, it will be 
seen, stood diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of the com- 
pass. The iV". point, as originally laid out, is % m. due W. of Silver Spring, 
Md. ; the E. point lY^ m. S. of E of Beaning's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the 
6". or initial point at the N, cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point ; and 
the W. point near the source of Four-mile Run, in Virginia. 'Y\i^ centre qfthe 
original Territory is marked by a gray free-stone, about 100 yds. W. of the 
Washington Monument, and on a line almost due S. from the President's 
House, at a distance of about J^ m. 

The lines were marked by square mile stones, with appropriate inscriptions 
on the side facing the territory, "Jurisdiction of the United States;" 
facing the State, " Virginia," or " Maryland," according to location; facing 
the North '* 1792," the year in which planted ; and facing the South, the po- 
sition of the Magnetic Needle. Many of these stones are doubtless still standing, 
but lost sight of amid the accumulations of decayed vegetation. It has been 
wisely suggested that the Government should define the lines of the Federal 
Territory of this now mighty Republic by tablets, columns and other marks, 
worthy and commemorative of its greatness. Shortly after the District was laid 
out this was seriously considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at 
Jones' Point, on the site of the initial corner-stone of the Federal Territory, at 
the same time to constitute one of the defenses of the river approach to the 
Capital from the Sea. and to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually com- 
menced, but was soon afterwards abandoned. 

In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 36 sq, m., which 
lay on the W b.ink of th-3 Potomac, in Virginia, was retroceded to that State, 
which reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. Since the retrocession, 
the short-sighted policy of that act has been demons rated. The question of re- 
storing the Territory to its first limits is being agitated. In the absence of ab- 
solute jurisdiction on both sides of the river, it is manifest that there must be 
interminable conflicts of interest and authority; the more so as the Capital in- 
creases in population, wealth and magnificence. The schemes of improvement 
of the Potomac in front of Washington and Georgetown also demand the 
possession of the Virginia shore. 

Political Divisions. — The Distric^t is divided into the cities 
of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wasii- 
ington. 

Government. — The Congress of the United States, in Mov., 
1800, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- 
ton. The jurisdiction of the United States over the Dis- 
trict vested on the first Monday of Dec, 1800. It was not, 
however, till Feb. 27, 1801, tliat Congress assumed direct and 
exclusive jurisdiction— all affairs of the District being first 
referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia for con- 
sideration and report. 



» GOVERNMENT. 

The act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created 
all that part of the territory of the United States included 
within the limits of the District of Columbia, into a govern- 
ment, by the name of the District of Columbia ; the execu- 
tive power to be vested in a Governor^ to be nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, and to hold office 
for four years ; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- 
sembly, composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, to hold oflSce two 
years, and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by 
the people, and to meet annually. There was a Board of 
Public Works for improvements, a Board of Health, charged 
with tlie sanitary care of the District, and a Delegate in Con- 
gress. 

On January 22, 1872, a memorial was presented to Con- 
gress, declaring that the Board of Public Works had usurped 
authority in making improvements, and was submitted on 
February 6, 1872, setting forth a great increase of the debt of 
the District of Columbia, and asking that this be prevented. 
An investigation was ordered. This committee made two 
reports. The majority admitted that mistakes had been 
made, but not for corrupt pui-poses. The minoritj'" declared 
that the grievances complained of were sustained . Two years 
later another appeal was made to Congress. A joint resolu- 
tion, passed b}'^ the House of Representatives February 2, and 
Senate February 11, 1874, created a Joint Select Committee, of 
three Senators and five Representatives, to inquire into the 
aff'airs of the District of Columbia. The principal charges of 
the memorialists, headed by W. "VY. Corcoran, were that un- 
lawful contracts liad been made for public improvements in 
the District of Columbia ; that unlawful assessments of taxes 
had been levied ; that false measurements Imd been made ; 
and that the debt had been unnecessarily increased. 

The committee, after an investigation consuming over three 
months, unanimously arrived at the conclusion that the then 
existing form of government of the District of Columbia was 
a failure; that it was too cumbrous and expensive; that it 
was wanting in sufficient safeguards against maladmmistra- 
tion and the creation of indebtedness. The act of June 20, 
1874, based upon the recommendations of the committee, 
abolished the territorial form, alone retaining the Board of 
Health, and provided a provisional government of three Com- 
missioners until a permanent one was devised by Congress. 
This is now being done. 

A notorious, act, growing out of the troubles between the 
memorialists and the government of the District of Columbia, 
led to another investigation, on a joint resolution of Congress, 



POPULATION'. II 

May 5, 1874, to inquire whetlier any oflScers in the employ- 
ment of the United States or of the District of Columbia were 
enga.ofed in a conspiracy to defeat or liinder the investigations 
ordered by Congress into the affairs of tiiQ District, and par- 
ticularly the circumstances conn.ected witli the robbery of 
the safe in the office of the United States attorney for the 
District of Columbia. The committee reported that they 
were satisfied that one of thi? objects of the burglary was to 
falsely implicate certain individuals among the memorialists, 
but were unable to determine who were the conspirators, 
and directed that the evidence be turned over to the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury and Attorney General for their informa- 
tion. Criminal prosecutions were ordered. Upon a trial of 
the case the jury failed to agree, and the government entered 
a nolle pros. 

The judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- 
tive action of Congress only. 

The salaries of all officers appointed by the President are 
paid by the U. S. ; all others by the District. The new District 
government went into operation June 1, 1871. 

Finances, estimated upon the tax levy for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1874 : 

Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- 
bia. Snf?.433,0T2, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, 
$3,272,010; County of Washington, $9,621,280. Total actual 
valuation, $200,000,000. Revenue taxes, $1,700,000; gov- 
ernment appropriation bv Congress.. $1,700,000. Rate of 
tax on $100, Sl.'^O. 

Tlie act of Congress of 1874, abolishing tne territorial gov- 
ernment established in 1871, also embraced provisions for a 
thorough examination of the financial condition of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and accounts of tiie Board of Public Works. 
This work has been carefully pei-formed by a Board of Audit 
and reported to Congress. 

Tl>e funded indebtedness, December 1st, 18/9, was: 
District of Columbia, $19,835,200: late corporation of 
Washin<rton, $1,833,123.33 ; late corporation of George- 
town $20,000. Total. $21,688,323.33. Provided for by acts 
of ^pseniblv of the District of Columbia, 1871, 72, 73. ami 
of Congress, 1874. 75. '79. including the 3yVa P<"i'ccnt. bonds 
mnnirin? 1924. $13,504,900, covering the largest pait ^ 

Population.— The population of the District, inclusive of 
the County of Alexandria up to 1840, ^^^^^^^^^ 




10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

foreign born, 16,2o4 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; 
of other States, 63,106. Of foreign countries, 16,254, viz : 
Ireland, 8,218 ; Germany, 4,920 ; England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 
352; British America, 290; France, 231 ; Italy, 182; all 
other foreign countries, 639. 

By civil divisions, 1870 : Washington, 109,199 ; George- 
town, 11,384; countv, 11,117. 

Slave population ^1800, 3,244; 1810, 5,395; 1820, 6,377; 
1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, 
none. 

Total, exclusive of Alexandria County : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 
15,471 ; 1820, 23,336 ; 1830, 30,261 ; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- 
quently, as above. 

The increase to 131,700 daring the decade ending in 1870 
indicates an unusually rapid growth. This \Aill be further 
promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of 
means in all parts of the country to make the ISTational Capi- 
tal a place of winter resort increases. 

Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870. — Area, 64 sq. m. ; persons to 
a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276; persons to a family, 
5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Pei- 
sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 
1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; 
male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 
6,126; male, 5,852 ; female, 274, Manufacture, mechanical, 
and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other 
statistical information will be found under appropriate heads. 

Yital Statistics.-The District is situated in one of tlie health- 
iest regions in the country. Notwithstanding the large num- 
ber of strangers constantly arriving in the city and the 
irregular habits of a large proportion, the average death-rate 
compares favorably witli other sections. The census of 1870 
shows the following results: Oregon, 1 death to 146 popula- 
tion, the most favorable; Minnesota, 1 to 124; NewHamp- 
shh-e, 1 to 74 ; Pennsylvania, 1 to 66 ; Dlsti-ictof Columbia, 1 
to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; Massachusetts, 1 
to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- 
ulation in the District is 1.53. The aggregate number of 
deaths in 1870 was 2,015 : males, l,06o ; females, 950 ; ag- 
gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under 
the age of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonary 
and fevers, in particular localities. The fevers are generally 
intermitting and bilious. 

Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, $74,- 
271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,834,225. 



1 2 GEOLOGY. 

True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- 
sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, 
not national, total $1,581,569 ; county, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 
594 ; 1860, total $260,218 ; 1870, public debt, not national, 
^,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266; woodland, 
2,428 ; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230 ; 
implements, &c. $39,450 ; value of productions, betterments, 
and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there, were 17,474 
:acres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a Value of but 
^2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, 
#5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 
429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products 
#5,412,102. No mining or established fisheries. 

Agriculture. — The cereals and other crops of the N. belt 
of the N. temperate zone are cultivated with success in the 
District of Columbia. Fruits aiKl vegetables in great variety 
are also grown. The markets of the capital are abundantly 
supplied from the vicinity^ and rank with, if they do not ex- 
cel, the finest in other parts of the United States. 

Topography. — The District of Columbia presents a pleasing 
variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards 
the NW., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the 
Appalachian chain approach the city, and form the wild and 
romantic scenery of rugged rocky hills an^ dee^j valleys along 
the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. The remainder 
of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. 
The Potomac, from the NW., and the Anacostia, from the 
NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original 
bounds of the District, from which point the main river flows, 
in a southerly direction, until it passes the line. A number 
•of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which 
water all parts of the District, find their outlets into the Po- 
tomac or Anacostia. 

Geology. — The soil of the District bordering the Potomac 
Is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought 
•down from tiie mountains. The elevated lands consist almost 
exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed M'ith sand and gravel. 
Occasionally a mixture of loam and clay is met with. Rock 
Creek divides the primitive from the alknial soil. Above 
Rock Creek the shores of the Potomac are lined with primi- 
tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- 
stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains 
leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, 
composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and 
constitutes the miderlying rock of the entire District. 



ORNITHOLOGY. 15 

Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stateit 
by Mr. Eobinson, in his Catalogue : 

Flint, on the shores of the Eastern Branch of the Poto- 
mac, near the Navy Yard, in small nodules. 

HORNESTONE, <iontaining organic remains. 

Agatized Wood, woodstone, three miles north from Wash- 
ington, sometimes invested with minute crystals of quartz^ 
fine specimens, and abundant. 

Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. 

Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- 
antly in digging wells. 

Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the woodstone locality, in de- 
tached masses, on the sm-face. Organic remains in sandstone 
abundant. 

Botany. — A list of the plants indigenous to the District of 
Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- 
terial collected under the auspices of the Washington Botan- 
ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana, presents 22 
classes and 288 varieties, following the Linnsean classification. 
Of the more familiar varieties found are the oak. (several va- 
rieties,) button-v\'ood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain 
ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- 
nyroyal, do,2:wood, blue-eyed gi-ass, violet, wild honeysuckle,, 
fox grape, Iiidian tobacco, mullien, wild sweet potato, night- 
shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder^ 
sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, fi-ee primrose, ground 
laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, 
poke, strawberry, dewberry, blackberry, sweet brier, May 
apple, columbine, ground ivy, motherwort, catnip, trumpet 
cfeeper, water-cress, wild pepper-gi-ass, passion flower, crow- 
foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- 
lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge, 
nettle, bm-dock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. 

Zoology. — The animals native to the region embraced within 
and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive times 
resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the rich 
pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. 
Among these were several varieties of deer. There were also 
panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, 
rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties,) 
field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- 
ber of species of all lands is stated at 42. 

Ornithology. — The feathered kingdom is well represent- 
ed. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- 
eties of birds, most of which doubtless were found in the 



14 CLIMATiE. 

District. The wild turkey was found in ^-eat numbers. 
The canvas-back duck, which in early days resorted to the 
vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met with in the estu- 
aries of the streams below the city; also the wild goose, 
swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- 
cies. In the swamps are found snipe, rail, blackbu'ds, 
and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. 
The hunting of feathered game is restricted by law. The 
autumn months generally constitute the season. The car- 
dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, 
thi'ush, sand-piper, king-fisher, and heron are also met with. 
The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. 

Iclitliyology — The Potomac, within the District, is stocked 
with fish in great numbers, some of which are of the finest 
varieties. Those best known are the sturgeon, (weight from 
40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to 7^ lbs.,) shad, bass, gar, 
eel, (three varieties,) carp, lierring, pike, perch, (four varie- 
ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad 
of the Potom*ac are of excellent quality. In the season they 
are very abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia 
shore opposite the city ; also large quantities of herring are 
caught below the city. The laws of Maryland, as eaiiy as 
1768, provided for the protection of the fish. Subsequent 
acts placed a heavy penalty upon the destruction of young 
fish b}'" weirs and dams, and to prevent beating with cords or 
poles at certain seasons of the year. A species of shark also 
ascends to the city. 

Herpetology, — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of 
turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are 
about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, 
black, garter, water, green snakes, and vipers. 

Climate. — The climate of the District of Columbia is gen- 
erally salubrious, though subject to sudden changes, particu- 
larly in spring The means for a series of years, compiled 
at the office of the Chief Signal Officer (Reports for the 
benefit of commerce), indicate these general conditions of the 
atmosphere : Mean temperature, minimum, 7° to 9° Fah- 
renheit, maximum, 95° to 102°.5 ; mean Barometer, min., 
29.08 to 29.35 inches, max., 30.63 to 30.82 ; Rain Fall, max., 
5.8 inches to 7.8 in. ; Prevailing winds, northwest. The 
hottest months are July and August, and the coldeKfe De- 
cember and February. Sleighing is rare. In summer storms, 
attended with excessive lightning and thunder, are frequent. 
In the winter of 1874-5 navigation on the Potomac was 
entirely suspended for several weeks on account of the ice. 




M N r 
WASHINGTON QTY; 

OMtr«(< ml Cstvnbl*. 
VIICIilNI \ 




/ 



"/ 






k 



V 



M A R V I. A V n 



i^j^JwMi^^— ^i^^ai^- 



E, E F E 11 E N C E S . 



1. The Capitol. 19. 

2. President's House. 20. 

3. State Department. 21. 

4. Treasury Department. 22. 

5. War Department. 23. 

6. Navy Department. 24- 

7. Interior Department, ( Patent-OfEce. ) 25. 

8. Post-OfEce Department. 26. 

9. Department of Justice. 27. 

10. Department of Agriculture. 28. 

11. Naval Observatory. 29. 

12. Arsenal. oO. 

13. Navy-Yard 31. 

14. Marine Barracks. 32. 
}f>. Court-House. 33. 

16. Jail. 34. 

17. City Asylum 35. 

18. City iVlarltets. 36. 



Smithsonian Institution. 
Washington Monument. 
Mills's Statue of Washington- 
Greenough's Statue of WashingtoiL 
Mills's Statue of Jackson. 
Corcoran Art Gallery. 

Botanical Garden. 

Congressional Burial-GrounA 

Naval Hospital. 

Government Printing-OfEce. 

Medical Bluseum. 

Signal-OiBce. 

Winder's Building. 

Brown's Statue of Scott. 

Bailey's Statue of Rawlins. 

Mount Vernon Place. 

Lincoln Square and Statue, Opropose 

Stanton Place. 




was 



oeverai weeks on account of the ice. 



SECTION II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. 




AVENUES, SQUAEES, STATUE&, &C. 

|HEKE are three points within the city from which 
'the finest views of Washington may be obtained : 
]st. The Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- 
tico of the CapitoT, reached through the central hall 
of the Library of the United States. 3d. The higher 
of the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Outside of the cit}^ the best points are from the 
tower of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond 
tlie Anacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, beyond 
the Potomac. The stranger should not^ fail to take advan- 
tage of at least one of these opportunities, and all would 
amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and 
map he will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city 
and the location of the principal public buildings. 

Topography. — The site of Washington covers an undulat- 
ing tract, which lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac 
River, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia. From the 
rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- 
shaped ridge crosses the northern jjortions of the city. About 
two thirds its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- 
rent of the Tiber through. Froip that point it rises and 
spreads out into the expansive plateau of CapitolHill, which 
overloolvs the Anacostia on the E. Witliin this encircling 
ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to 
the banks of the Potomac. In different parts of the city are 
eminences which afford commanding situations for the public 
buildings. 

From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where 
the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face 
of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a cliain of low, 
wooded hills range on the N., and continuing on the op- 
posite sliores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merge again in 
the hills on tlie Virginia side. These give the appearance of 
a vast ampitheatre, in the centre of which stands tlie city. 

Tiie mean altitude of the city i& about 40 ft. above the or- 

15 



It) PLAN OF THE CITY. 

dinary low tide in the Potomac opposite. The more impor- 
tant elevations, according to levels taker by Brev. Lieut. Coi. 
George W. Hughes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 
1850, are as follows : 

Foundatipn of St. John's Church, WE. corner of 16th 
and H sts. NW., opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- 
dent's House, 65.50 ft. 

Corner of I and 19th sts. NW., 82.10 ft. 

East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. 

Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. 

Corner of N and 11th sts. NW., (highest point in the city,) 
103.70 ft. 

The soil upon which the city is built is generally a yellow- 
ish clay, mixed with gi*avel. In digging wells near New Jer- 
sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 
to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- 
ered at a depth of 18 ft. 

Tlie Tiber — so named more than a century before Wash- 
ington was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day 
upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Rome, like 
its historic and larger namesake — ^runs through the city, di- 
viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the 
hills to the N., and enter the city in several branches, the 
principal one in the vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pursues a 
SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it 
winds off to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill 
and across Pennsylvania av. and the Botanical Garden. 
Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied 
into the Potomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- 
ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington 
Canal at 3d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along 
the N. borders of the Mall. The filling of the canal led to 
further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since 
been utilized by diverting them into the sewerage system of 
the central and southern portions of the city; hence, although 
the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its 
course is not traceable, the current flowing beneath heavy 
brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and 
avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the 
banks of the Tiber were lined with forests, and shad and her- 
ring in their season were caught in its waters, under the very 
shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. 

Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared 
in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of 
noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the 
Continental Army with sufficient distinction to attract the 



18 PROPOSED EMBELLISHMENTS. 

attention of Washington. In the work he was greatly as- 
sisted by the advice of Thomas Jefferson, who, when diplo- 
matic representative of the United States at foreign courts, 
had, witli an intuitive vision of tlie wants of the future, stud- 
ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited by him, and was 
competent and prepared, with the aid of plans and his per- 
sonal knowledge of their details, to contribute an invaluable 
amount of information on this important subject. The plan 
adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles 
and the practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William 
Penn in Philadelphia. In the conception of the plan, the 
predominating object was to secure positions for the different 
public edifices ; also squares and areas of different shapes, 
which would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- 
tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- 
pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines N. 
and S., intersected by others running E. and W., were to 
divide the city into streets and squares. These lines were to 
be so combined as to intersect at certain given points another 
set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. 
Every grand transverse avenue and every principal' divergent 
one, such m from the Capitol to the President's House, was 
to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of 
gravel-walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of 
carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets 
leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide. 

and others 110 and 90 ft/. 

• 

The site for the Capitoi was detfcrmmed upon as the initial point in execu- 
tion of this plan. That important question having been decided, Mr. Ellicott 
drew a true meridian line by celestial observation, which passed throiigh the 
area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, a due E. and W. 
line, which passed through the same area. These lines were accurately 
measured, and formed the basis on which the whole plan was executed. All 
these lines were run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles were deter- 
mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncertainty of the com- 
pass. The avepues and streets were then laid down. 

The ideas of the projectors not only contempla^'^l a Federal City capable ot 
great expansion, but .also took in its creditable embellishment. Although the 
want of means and the general apathy of the government and people allowed 
these suggestions to pass unrecognized, it is interesting to observe that the dis- 
graceful and neglected condition of the Capital erf the United States for nearly 
three quarters of a century was not owing to any imperfections in the original 
plan. Directly S. of the President's House, in the triangular space between 
the Mall and the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber, where the unfinished 
Obelisk to the -memory of Washington stands, was located the site for the 
Equestrian Statue of Washington, voted by the Continental Congress in 1783. 
On E. Capitol st., between nth and 13th sts. E. , and about the centre of the 
high plateau between the Capitol and the Anaco£tia, where four avenues inter- 
sect, was laid out a spacious square, in which was to be erected an Historic 
Column, to be used also as a Mile or Itinerary Column., from which it was in- 
tended to calculate the distances to all places within the United States and on 
the continent. This column would have answered the purpose of the cele- 
brated Niphon-Bass or Bridge of Japan, at Yedo. » This bridge is considered 



ORIGIN OF THE PLAN. 19 

as the centre of the empire. From it the Tocaido extends to all parts of th« 
empire, and geographical distances are computed. At the foot of 8th st. W., 
immediately on the banks c^f the Potomac, and commanding a fine view ot 
the widening reach of the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary 
Column, to celebrate the first rise of the Navy, and "to stand a ready monu- 
ment to consecrate its progress and achievements." The crest of the knoll on 
which the Patent Office now stands was set apart for a National Church and 
Mausoleum, designed for the use of the Government on occasions of public 
prayer, thanksgivings, state funerals and orations, and for any other purpose 
national in character The edifice was to be assigned to the special use of no 
particular sect or denomination, but to be equally open to all. It was also to 
be the place for such monumental or other tributes of a grateful country voted 
by the then late Continental Congress for those heroes who fell in the cause ot 
liberty, and for such others as might be decreed a place there by the voice of 
the nation. AXso, Jive £^rand Fou7itains v/ ere to be erected at different promi- 
nent points; one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by the 
intersection of Virginia and North and South Carolina a vs.; one on Maryland 
av., at the intersection of F and iithsts. N. E-; one at the intersection of Penn- 
sylvmia and Louisiana avs., near the present site of the Centre Market; one 
on New Yorkav., at the intersection of I st., between nth and 12th sts., N. W.; 
and one on the N. side of Pennsylvania av., at the intersection of I St., between 
20th and 2ist Sts. N. W. It was proposed to supply these fountains from the 
springs and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capitol and 
the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct a Grand Cascade^ to be fed 
from the Tiber. Between, Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., from 3d st. W., a 
space of 1,200 ft. was laid down as the main approach to the " Federal House" 
or Capitol, and by which it was intended to reach the upper square of the 
"Federal House." The Mall vfa.s to form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and 
about I m. in length, bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue 
of Washington, or where the Monument now stands, and to connect the " Con- 
gress Garden with the President's Park." On E. Capitol st., which was to be 
i6o ft. wide to the proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement on 
each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On the S of the Presi- 
dent's Park was to be a well-improved "Field, 1,800 ft. wide and Y^, m. long," 
part of the " Walk" from the President's House. This spacious reservation 
was designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, to be used 
by diplomatic or other foreign representatives and prominent officials of the 
United States. Fifteen squares were to be distributed among the States in 
the Union, for them to embellish within a limited time, by the erection of 
some appropriate statue, or other mark, to the memory of the heroes of the 
Revolution, " to inspire the young," and designed to " leave a grand idea of 
patriotic interest." Lots were to be assigned for the use of churches, colleges 
and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures were to be built in 
accordance with certain regulations, so as to preserve uniformity. 

Origin of the Plan. — The re^rablaiice between the plans 
of L'Enfant for Washington and L'Xotre for Versailles will 
be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of t'le 
Western Republic and the magnificent royal residence of 
the kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and de 
St. Cl9ud, diverging from the Cour Royale, are reproduced 
in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. 
front of the Capitol ; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; 
the Boulevard du Roi and the All^e da Potager in N. and 
S. Capitol sts.; and the Allees de la Reine, de Noisy, des 
Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- 
itv of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 



20 ItEbLKVATIUWS 

omisBion of All^e rle la Reine to the SAV., reBpect|vely, in 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York avs. W. of the 
President's House. The missing avenue in the plan of 
Washington, the continuation of Vermont av., would have 
completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- 
ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing 
in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. 
Other striking features of the design of Versailles are observ- 
able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as 
well as the beautiful, might be said to combine the plans of 
two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard 
for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye 
to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the 
centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- 
nues, carrefours^ allies, and lawns of the imperial retreat at 
Versailles. 

Though the city was originally laid out on a scale adequate to the necessities 
of a metropolis of more than half a million inhabitants, and with the proper 
regard for the adornment of the Capital of a great people in the future, the 
crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting the political status 
of the Federal Territory and city were adverse to any expenditure other than 
to establish, there a simple place of meeting for the represent3.tives of the States 
— a sort of central agency, where the President and Executive officers might be 
stationed, and where Congress might come once a year or oftener, as the exi- 
gencies of the times required, to transact the business intrusted to them by the 
Constitution — mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, declare 
war, ratify treaties, and confirm nominations. This class, then in the ascend- 
ency, found it impossible, or were unwilling, to see anything national in the 
foundation of a Federal Capital, and consequently opposed every measure 
looking beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the public offices. 
To build a capital in every sense symbolic and worthy of the Union was en- 
tirely foreign to their interpretation of the meaning of that portion of the Con- 
stitution which gave Congress the powor to accept and exercise- exclusive juris- 
diction over a Territory to be solely devoted to the uses of the nation for the 
purposes of the Government. These notions, it would seem, were a revival of 
a practice in Germany centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- 
diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the very brink of the stream, 
and apart from the habitations of men, is still to be seen the famous though 
rude rostrum or temple known as the I^enigsstuhl. It consists of stone seats, 
within a small circular wall, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, in 
the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliberate upon the affairs 
of the empire, to perform acts for the common good, to make treaties, and to 
nominate or depose the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to, was 
viewed in the light of the Koenigsstuhl of the United States. More mature 
thought, however, at last brought the people to look upon their capital as the 
political metropolis of the United States. This enlightened view is recen^ 
dating no further back than i86t. It was not till 1870 that the march of much- 
needed improvement commenced. With this new state of affairs the Capital is 
annually becoming more worthy of the greatness of the Republic of over fifty 
■■nillions of people. 

Eeservations.— In the plan of the city a liberal allowance 
of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable 
localities for the sites of public buildhigs, parks, and for other 
]>M!-]^(\^os of tlio Oovernnient. Tliese gronnds were called re.'?- 



RESERVATIONS. 



li 



ervations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an 
aggregate area of 541 acres, 1 rood, 29 perches, fo: which 
( he government paid $66.66f per acre, total $36,099, from 
money arising out of the sale of city lots granted by the 




kill's status of WASHINGTON. (See page 39.) 

original proprietors. These reservations were selected by 
President Washington for public purposes. Those still pos- 
sessed bv the Government— several having been sold or 
granted away since, leaving 513 acres— are designated on 
the maps by' their original numbers, but are popularly 



22 RESERVATIONS. 

called after the principal buildings situated on them, or 
from the uses to which assigned, as follows: 

No. I. The President's Grounds extend from H st. N. to B st. N., and 
from 15th to 17th sts, W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and 
NW. angles. On these grounds are the President's House, conservatories, 
and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury Department, and on the W. 
by the State, War. and Navy Departments. Total area, 83 a. i r. 22 p. 

No. 2. The Capitol Grounds and Mall extend from ist st. E. to the pro- 
longation of 15th St. W., and between B sts. N. and S. On these grounds 
are the Capitol, Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ag- 
ricultural Department. Total originally, 227 a. o r. 8 p. Under authority 
of Congress, in 1872, squares No. 687 and 688, in the NE. and SE. angles of 
the E. Park, were purchased an'i thrown into the grounds. The deficient 
portion of the Mall was disposed of in 1822. See Reservations Nos. 10, 11 
and 12. 

No. 3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on 15th st. W., to 
the banks of the Potomac, and is separated from the President's Grounds by 
B St., N., formerly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. 
The old channel of the Tiber entered the Potomac on the NW. border of 
this reservation. These grounds are occupied by the Washington Monu- 
ment and the Government Nurseries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 

No. 4. The University Square extends from E. st. N. to the banks of the 
Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. W. On these grounds is the Naval 
Observatory. Total area, 21 a. o r. 18 p. 

No. 5. The Arsenal Grounds, foot of 4% st. W., originally included 
the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac, from 
Greenleaf's Point to T st. S.,and between the mouth of James Creek and 
the line of 3d st. W. to the Potomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This 
reservation in 1857 was extended by the purchase of the land between the 
line of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and N. to Pst. S. 

No. 6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the foot of 2Qth and 
2ist St. W. covered with water. 

No. 7. The Centre Market Square, between the point of intersection of 
Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. and B st. N., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. 
Total area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation years ago was granted by the 
President to the corporation for the erection of a market. In i860 it was 
granted to a private corporation by which the present handsome structure 
was erected, now the principal market in the city. 

No. 8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 9th sts. W. and F. 
and G. sts. N., occupied by the Patent Office. Area 4 a. o r. 22 p. 

No. 9. Judiciart^^Square, between the intersection of Indiana and Louisiana 
avs. and G. st.I^., and 4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall. 
Area, 19 a. i r. 27 p. In 1819 a portion of this reservation was granted by 
Congress to the corporation for a Town House or City Hall. 

No. 10 Reservation North of Pennsylvania av. between 3d and 4}^ sts. W 
In 1822, granted by Congress to the corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay for 
the removal of the canal, which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania 
av., to the centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W., and to fill up the low 
grounds in that vicinity. Total area, 6 a. o r. 31 p. 

No. II. Reservation between B and C sts. N. and 2d and 3d sts. W. Total 
area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as reservation No. 10. 

No. 12. Reservation North of Pennsylvania av., between 2d and 3d sts. W. 
Total area, i a. i r. 4 p. Disposed of same as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 

No. 13. Hospital Square, from the Anacostia to igth st. E. and between B 
andG sts. S. Total area, 77 a. o r. 26 p. On this square stands the Maga- 
zine, Alms House, and District Jail. 

No. 14. The Navy Yard is bounded by M st. S. and the Anacostia, and the 
continuation of 6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these 
grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of the Washington 
Navy Yard. 

Nos. 15 and i6. Eastern Market House Squares, near the Navy Yard. 
These reservations were granted by Congress to the municipal corporation ■ 



RESERVATIONS. 23 

for the purpvjse stated. Area, No. 15, i a. o r. 21 p. ; No. t6, i a., o r. 23 p. 
^*o. 17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the Capitol between 

S. Capitol St. and 3d st. E. and E and H sts. S. Total area, 21 a. i r. 29 p. 
The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, deducting those 
sUsposed of, correction of errors, and modifications, is 513 acres. 

\x\ i8i2 the President of the United States was authorized to take possession 



brown's statue of general SCOTT. (See page 36,) 

of the whole of the public reservations, and to lease them out for not exceeding 
tenyears, on such terms and conditions as in his judgment might best effecv 
their improvement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public purposes. 

A detailed description of the reservations occupied by 
the Government will be found in connection with the 
public buildings or their other designating feature. 



24 



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iiO 



Avenues and Streets. — The 21 avenues and 107 streets 
of the Capital have an aggregate length of 279 m. — aven- 
ues 65., streets 21 4 m. — aiid are of greater width than those 
of any other city in the world. Originally there were 13 
avs., named after the States in the Union when the city 
was laid out. Others on the first plan, but undesignated, 
were named after States subsequently admitted, though 
not in the orderof their admission. The avenues radiate 
from principal centres or connect different parts of the 
city. With the alleys and open spaces at intersections 
the highways cover 2554 a., or nearly one-half of the area 
of the city. For location of avenues and streets see map of the 
city facing page 14; for location, width and course of avenues 
and streets see "'Table'^ page 24. For description of avevves 
see page/26. 




i-iiKNSYLVANIA AVENUE. (JarveS.) 



TT^ /o^^"'^-^^''^^^ "'''^^^ to areas of three of the principal cities in the 
United btates and the same number in Europe is : Paris, France, 25 8 per cent 
Berlin, Prussia, 26.4 per cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. • Phila- 
delphia United States, 29.8, per cent. ; New York, United States, 35.3 pet 
cent. ; \ienna, Austria, 35.8 percent.; Wa.shington, United States, ^ 1.8 per 
cent. Ihe carnage ways of the avenues and streets are well laid, with a vari- 
ety ot pavem'ents amounting to over 160 m., embracing Belgian, granite cob- 
ble-stone, Neufchatel, concrete, wood. Macadam and graveled. This length 
IS computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The improved styles of 
pavements have been laid on principal thoroughfares of business and pleasure 
and on the avenues and streets occupied by the better class of residences! 
Ihe cobble-stone, in streets less traveled, mostly south of Pennsylvania av. 
Ihe Macadam is but little used within the city, owing to the dust but is ex- 
tensively employed on the highways traversing the rural districts within the 
1 erritory. 

Under the old corporation, with the exception of a few spasmodic attempts, 
as the necessities of an increased population became ureent. no efforts were 



26 AVENUES. 

made to improve the avenues, streets, and spaces. Under act of Con^,ii,s 
April 6, 1870, one-half of the width of many of the avenues and street a as 
set apart for parking, leaving a roadway of not less .than 35 ft. w^idth io the 
centre, or two such road-ways on each side of the park, should that be placed 
in the centre. Pennsylvania and Indiana avs. and 4^4 st. W., between the 
City Hall and Pennsylvania ave., were excluded from this arrangement. On 
July 8, of the same year, Congress authorized the paving of Pennsylvania 
av. at the Government expense. Under the Board of Public Works, a sys- 
tem of grades was adopted, to which all avenues and streets were made to 
conform. 

Description of Avenues.— The broad thoroughfares are 
among the principal attractions of the National Capital, and 
the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon 
them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- 
some equipages, atlbrds a truly enjoyable recreation. 

Pennsylvania av. is not only the principal, but also one of 
the two longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted 
in its continuity — by the President's "House and Capitol. Its 
width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4^ m. in length, 
from Georgetown and Rock Creek to the Anacostia, and is tlie 
main line of communication across the city. Along its route 
are the Washington Circle^ the J^ar and Treasury Departments^ 
and PresidenPs House. From 17th to 15th sts. the avenue pre- 
sents a particularly fine prospect, passing between the Kori} 
Park of thg Presidenfs Grounds^ in front of which is a side- 
walk 34J ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. From loth st. W. tc 
the Capitol it traverses the entire length of the finest business 
quarter and the fasliionahle drive. It thence winds up and 
around the hill surmounted by the Capitol^ and continues to 
its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 
8th St. E., leaving this avenue, is the Navy Yard. 

Pennsylvania av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened and rudely 
drained from the Capitol to Georgetown, and yet it was nothing better than a 
marsh. During the administration of Jefferson, from the Capitol to the Presi- 
dent's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of Lombardy poplars 
was planted between the centre or main roadway and that on either side. A 
flag-stone footwalk also ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 the side- 
walk on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to the Navy Depart- 
ment. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the curbs extended, and a drained, 
macadamized roadway, 45 ft. wide in the centre, laid out. The " centre strip," 
however, was not entirely completed till 1849, ^"^^ then was shaded with elms, 
maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was iighted with lamps from the 
Capitol to the President's House; subsequently it was paved with cobble- 
stones, and so remained till 1870, when it was improved in a manner commen- 
surate with its prominence as a thoroughfare. 

Massachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the 
city, being over 4J m. It begins at the NVV. Boundary; is 
160 ft. wide, and extends to the Anacostia SE., intersecting 
New Hampshire and Connecticut avs., forming the P-street 
Circle; Vermont av., forming the Circle of Victory (Thomas 
Statue); New York av., at Mount Vernon Place; New Jer- 
sey and Delaware avs.; Maryland av. at the Statue of Greene; 
Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky avs., at Lincoln 
Square {Statue of Emancipation,) and thence to the Hospital 
Grounds on the Anacostia. 



DEbCiilPTlON OF AVENUES. 



2i 



This avenue gradually rises to an elevation considerably above the surround- 
ing heights, from which it descends in easy graduation to the middle of the 
broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the east. On its route are the 
finest circles and squares, and many of the most costly residences. It is weH 
paved, and bordered with a choice variety of trees. 




Simmons Naval Statue, or Monument of Peace. 

The naval tnonufnent, designated by Congress the Monwnent of Peace, de- 
signed by Admiral Porter, U. S. N., and erected ixora. subscriptions started by 
him, 1865, in his fleet, on the fall of Fort Fisher, " In memory of the officers, 
seamen and marines of the United States navy who fell in defense of the union 
and liberty of their country, i86i-'65." From officers, midshipmen and men. 
;^,ooQ, from prominent gentlemen, (including Secretary Borie, ^1,000,) $4,000, 
increased oy investment in U. S. securities. Contracted for, 1871, with Frank- 
lin Simmons, sculptor, of Maine, for $21,000, Ravacchione Carrara marble, 
height, 44 ft., erected without ceremonies, 1877. The surmounting figures 
represent History recording the woes narrated by America ; west 0/ plinth. 
Victory crowns young Neptune and Mars; east. Peace offering the olive branch 
and surrounded by the products of the peaceful artS. Latter paid for, $2,000, 
out of appropriation, $20,000, by Congress, 1876, for foundation, platform, steps 
and circular basin, designed by Edward Clark, architect of the Capitol. Cas- 
cades flow from the mouths of bronze dolphins in the sub-base, and four artis- 
tic latnp posts stand on the rim of the basin. The monument was admired in 
Rome as one of the finest works of the kind ever sent to America. It was 
transported from Leghorn on board the U. S. ship Supply, and landed at the 
Navy Yard, Washington. 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 



Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, ex- 
tending respectively NE. and NW. from the N. side of La- 
fayette Square, opposite the Executive Mansion. 

On the former are many beautiful private residences, and fhe Statues of 
McPherson and Thomas, and on the latter the elegant edifice of the English 
Legation and the property of that government. 

New York Avenue, ] 30 ft. wide, begins at the Potomac 
river, S W. of the Department of State, and runs across the 
city in a NE. direction. 

Its continuity is interrupted by the park of the Executive Mansion. From 
the Treasury Department NE. it is parked in the centre, and has a vista of 
elms. At the intersection of Massachusetts av. is a beautiful bronxe fountain. 

Maryland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, beginning at the Wash- 
ington terminus of Tlie Long Bridge across the Potomac, 
extends N£. across the city to the Baltimore Turnpike. 

From the former to the Capitol it is mostly a railroad thoroughfare. 




Ball's Si ami-, uf i',:viA.\ciPATioN (.~-)Kh page 38), 
The remaining avenues -^re more or less improved, but as yet present no spe- 
cial attractions. New jfersey and Delaware avs. cross each other at the Cap- 
itol, and present fine sweeps of vision from that structure. Rhode Island and 
New Hampshire avs. in the NW. portion of the city, are rapidly filling up 
with private residences of a striking variety of architectural design and ele- 
gance. For names^ widths and courses oj" avenues see " Table"' j>age 24. 
For location and interesting points see maj> of the city in this Handbook. 



DlvSCliJPTlON OF AVENUES 



29 



Executive Avenue, laid out in 1871, begins at Pennsylvania av., E. and W. 
of the Executive Mansion, and passes the Triasury and State^ Wa?-, and 
Navy Departments respectively The N. entrances consist of six massive 
granite gate-posts, upon which are svi'ung immense iron gates. A granite 
staircase, 20 ft. wide, and a h&SLWtiiul fount aiii stand W. of the Treasury De- 
partment. Walks lead from the Departments to the Executive Mansion. 
Passing S., the two wings of the av. form a semi-circle, uniting opposite theS. 
Portico of the Executive Mansion, and proceed in a broad single line due S. 
to B St. N., where the av. enters the Park or Monument Grounds, and joins 
the beautiful Drive, commenced in 1872, connecting the President's and Capi- 
tol Grounds. 




RoBisso's Statue of McPherson. (See page 36.) 

The Drive. — Leaving the S. terminus of Executive av.. 
the Drive, consisting of a gravel roadway of 35 ft., planted 
on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the 
Potomac, affording a superb view of the expansive bosom 
of the river N. till lost behind the hill crowned hy the 
Naval Observatory, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. 

On the left is a beautiful lake, covering 3 a., fed by a spring on its SE. border 
and a fountain in the centre. On the right are ponds for the propagation of 
fresh-water fish, under the auspices of the United States Fish Commission. 
About 100 yds. W. of the Washington Monument, is a gray freestone, a little 
over 2 ft. in height which marks the centre of the District of Columbia, as laid 
out in lygi-'ga. The Drive now winds round the Monument. On the S. is 
the Government Propagating Garden ; also the stately edifice of the Bureau of 
Engravingand Printing. The Drive then enters the Agricultural Grounds , 
a beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. Prior to 1816 
this attractive portion of the public grounds was covered with majestic oaks. 



30 STREETS. 

Orossing 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the 
Smithsonian Institution] and leaving this at 7th st., enters 
Armm-y Square^ so named from tlie Armory of the District 
Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course 
to 6th St. W. This portion of the roadway is 1,300 ft. long, 
and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Rau- 
road at 6th st. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, with a 40 
ft. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- 
structed by that company in compliance with the act of Con- 
gress. From 6th st. the Drive continues through the reserva- 
tion to 4J St. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., 
terminating opposite the W. entrance to the Botanical Gar- 
den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across the garden, 
so as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds 
without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the 
original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and 
drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The 
Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and 
Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. 

Streets. — The streets of the city run from N". to S. and E. 
to W., crossing at right angles. The streets running N". and 
S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W., 
acxjording to their positions with respect to the Capitol, which 
is the dividing point— as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. 
W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and 
W. are designated J)y the letters of the alphabet and by the 
word 2!^. or S., according as they are situated N". or S. of the 
Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. N., A st. S., which are 
the first streets N". and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The 
streets E. of the Capitol number from Ist to 31st st., includ- 
ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 28th W. 

The lettered streets run to W st. IS", and to V st. S. The 
limit of the city inland, or on the K., is known as Boundary 
Street. 

To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or 
sections— JO. and :NrW., SE. and SW. N". and S. Capitol 
sts., running on a l!^. and S. line from the Capitol and E. 
Capitol St., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the 
Mail, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. 
The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, 
macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. 

The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan 
adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, 
commencing E. or W. and N. ox S. of the Capitol. For in- 
stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st st., and 
200 beyond 2d to 3d st., and so on, the intermediate numbers 



BENOMECLATURE. 



31 



ending in the block, 
streets and avenues. 



The same rule is adopted for lettered 



The city in addition to its magnificent avenues posfoesses 
many attractive streets. Prominent amongst these are F, 
I, K. and M, sts. N., and 4^, 11, 14, and 15 sts. W., upon 
which are some of the most beautiful private residences. 
The fine thoroughfare extending East of the Capitol, 
known as East Capitol Street, was originally designed to 
be the chief street of the city ; North and South Capitol 
Streets running from the Capitol, lie on the first meridian 
of longitude for the United States, as laid down, in 1791, 
by Ellicott ; 7th Street W. is devoted exclusively to trade. 
( For location of streets see Map ; for width see " Table" page 24.) 




FOUR AND ONE-HALF STREET. (Jarvis.) 



Renomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present system of no- 
menclature of the streets with duplicate letters and numbers. This plan is not 
only extremely confusing to strangers, but embarrassing and a source of great 
inconvenience to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplated for 
streets running N. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, beginning at 28th 
St. W., which would be ist St., and terminating at 31st st. E., which would be 
6oth St., the additional street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4J4 
St. W. or 2rst st. First Sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would be 29th and 30th 
sts. respectively, N. and S. Capitol sts. would retain their present names. 
It is also proposed to adopt for the streets running E. and W. a nomenclature 
which would require no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name 
of some citizen eminent in the service of the Government or in private life, the 
initial letter to correspond with the letter which now designates the street. 
For instance : 

Streets North of the Capitol — Adams, Benton, Clay or Clinton 
Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton. Jefferson, Kent, Lincoln, 
Marshall, Nelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Up- 
shur, Van Buren, and Webster. 

Streets South 0/ the Capitol - Anderson, Bainbridge, Chaun- 



32 m:\vk-^s. 

»ey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, Knox, Law> 
rence, Marion, Nash or Nicholson, Overton, Perry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, 
Taylor, Union, Van Ness and Warren. 

Parking. — The street parks and sidewalks of the city are 
generally planted with trees possessing the merits of state- 
liness and symmetry of growth, expansive foliage, early 
spring verdure, and variety of colors in autumn. 

The varieties used are the silver maple, American linden, European syca- 
more maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet gum, red maple, 
Norway maple, negundo, American ash, buttonwood, oaks, and European 
ash anci linden. The trees are usually planted 40 feet apart and properly cared 
for. Certain varieties are confined to certain streets. The supply is kept up 
from the reserve Nursery on the banks of the Anacostia, S. of the Alms House, 
where there is constantly a stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in 
height. This parking adds vastly to the adornment of the capital. 

Quarters- — The arrangement of the streets with respect 
to the Capitol divides the city into 4 sections. 

The Northwest Q^^arter constitutes the finest portions of the capital, embrac- 
ing the President's House, all the Departments and Foreign Legations, the 
principal business establishments and fashionable residences. The Southwest 
Quarter, formeily known as " the Island,'' from its separation from the rest of 
the city by the Washington Canal, now filled, is generally the quarter of per- 
sons of moderate means. In it are also the wharves. Th^ Northeast Quarter 
is the same as the SW. The Southeast Quarter, with a small portion of the 
NE., is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands on the W. 
orow. It was intended, originally, to make this the finest portion of the city. 




The Tiber Arch (outlet of Great Sewer). 

Sewers. — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for 
ewerage and drainage, are divided into 5 sections. 

ist. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 2d. Slash Run, beginning 
v\t the intersection of Rock Creek and K st. NW.; thence along K to 21st NW.; 
clone 2ist to I St. N • alone I to 17th W. ; alone 17th to H st. N. • alone 



SEWERS. 33 

H to 16th W. ; along IGth to I st. N. ; along I to lOth AV. 
along loth to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. 
along 14th to Boundary; along Boundary to Kock Creek 
along Rock Creek to beginning. 3(1. The intermediate sec- 
tion, beginning at the intei'section of Rock Creek andK st. 
^^Y. ; thence along Kto 21st NW. ; thence along 21st to I st. 
NW. ; thence along I to 19th ]S'A7. to G st. NW. ; thence 
along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock 
Creek to the beginning. 4th. The intercepting section, be- 
ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. NW. 
thence along G to 19th KW.; thence along 19th to I st. NW. 
alonglto 17th ; along 17th to H st. jST. ; along H to 16th W. 
along 16th to I st. N. ; along I to loth W. ; along loth to Ver- 
mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; along 14th to N" 
St. N. ; along IST to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. 
N". ; along O to 7th l^W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 
6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. * along B to Potomac River; 
along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- 
ginning, oth. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of 
Boundary and 14th st. W. ; along 14th to IS" st. I^T. ; along N 
to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. IST. ; along O to 
7th W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along Gth 
to B St. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac River 
to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. NE.; along 
G to loth E. ; along loth to Boundary; along Boundary to 
beginning. 

The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, 
which crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. 
of the President's Grounds. From 3d to 15tli st. W. it ran 
dn-ectly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful 
grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass 
of filth and disease was filled in 1872. 

The B-street Intercepting Sewei\ 1 m. in length and 12 
ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. The 
main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 17th 
st. W. One of the largest sewers in the world is the Tiber- 
creek Sewer, so named from the stream which fiows through 
it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. span, and 15 ft. high, and 
drains the entire city E of 6th st. AY.— about 3,000 acres. Its 
outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- 
ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into which the smaller branch of the 
intf^rsecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line 
of this great sewer, from its mouth, passes under the Botan- 
ical Garden and Pennsylvania av, N. to E st. N", at its junc- 
tion with K. Capitol St., which it follows to K st. N. The 
portion from H to K st. is now under construction. The 
destination of this sewer is the Boundary, readied along K 

3 



B4 SQUARES. 

St. N. to 1st St. E. ; thence by the latter. When compl('t;d, it 
will be 2 in. in It^ngth. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are beini;" 
bnilt out fron^i 3cl st. ISTW. and F st. N'E. From "the Tiber 
arch a large sewej- extends SE. The Slasli-run Sewer ^ \ m. 
long*. 10 ft. span, named after tlie natural watercourses which 
enter the city in several branches on its N W. boundary, empties 
into Eock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built 
along Boundary st., in the ISTE. part of the city, as supple- 
mentary to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- 
ers convey the sewerage of streets, and dwellings into the 
general system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, 
including 5 m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, 
and 80 m. of tile and pipe. 

Squares, — In addition to the grounds attached to the public 
buildings, and wliich \\\S\ be described in that connection, 
there are a number of beautiful squares in various parts of the 
city. Tliose W. of the Capitol are — 

Lafayette Square, a parallelogi*am of 7 a., X. of the 
President's House, and between J.5-^- and 16^ sts., frequently 
popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, 
from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemcTi 
upon them. The broad av. extending to the jST. is 16th st-, 
the high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From 
the President's Grounds on the S. it is separated by a broad 
av., which extends from 15th to 17th sts. This square is beau- 
tifully laid out in graveled walks Avith seats. It is adorned 
with trees and slirubbery, many of them rare and valuable 
species and in pleasing varie^. It is lighted throughout 
with gas, two of the lamp-posts combining drinking foun- 
tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for the public, stands 
on the jST. side. The building is approached at either end by 
circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each 
side and in fi-ont tlower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, 
weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand 
on the E. and W. sides of the square. Tliese are copies from 
an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the 
ISTavy Yard. They were cast with the permission of Mr. Robe- 
son, Secretary of the Na\y, and reflect great credit upon the 
workshops of the Government. In the centre of this square 
is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson^ 
contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- 
posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- 
scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 1848 Congress granted 
to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by 
the General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of 
brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the 



SQUAHES. 



35 



statue, were donated by Congress. Iit1852 Cong-ress appro^- 
priated funds for the erection of the marble pedestal upon 
which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of 
$20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the 
United States, The statue is one third laro;er than life, weighs 




JACKSON EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 

15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the 
amount contributed by the Association, $50,000. The hind 
parts and tail of the hoi'se being* solid, tlie animal is poised, 
without the aid of iron rods or other devices as in the great 
statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- 
lington. This was the fii'st application of this principle. The 
statue was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple, Stephen A. Douglas delivering the oration, on the 8th 
day of January, 1853, the anniversary of the battle of New 
Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the British forces 
under Sir John Packenham. 

McPheeson Squaee. — On Vermont av., between I and 
K sts. N. and 15th st. W,, H acres, well laid out with 
walks and shrubbery, and adorned with composite iron 
vases and drinking fountains. In the centre is the bronze 



36 SQUARES. 

statue of Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, killed near Atlanta, 
Ga., at theheadofthe Army of the Tennessee, July 22, 1864, 
erected by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, Louis 
T. Robisso, of Ohio, sculptor Robert Wood & Co., of Phila- 
delphia, founders, heroic 14 feet high, horse 12 feet long, 
metal light bronze, being cannon appropriated by Con- 
gress, weight, 7,000 lbs. Cost, $23,500. 

The General is represented in the iuU uniform of his rank, with slouch hat, 
holding his field glasses in his right hand, and surveying the field of battle. 
Unveiled Oct. iS. 1876, amid an imposing military pageant, Gen. John A. 
Logan, orator. The superb /^a't-j^a/, in five massive and appropriately decor- 
ated blocks of Virginia granite, cost ^5,000, voted by Congress in 1875. 
It was proposed to place the remains of the General beneath the statue, 
r»nd a vault was constructed for the purpose, but the removal, though approved 
by his family, owing to objections of the people of his native place, was not con- 
summated. 

Farragut Square. — On Connecticut av., between I & K 
Sts. N., and 17th st. W., 1^ a., beautifully laid out. It is 
proposed hereto erect the colossal statue of Admiral Farragvi 
for which $20,000 was voted by Congress April 16, 1872. 

Scott Square. — At the intersection of Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island avs., and 16th st., due N. of President'^ 
House, 1 acre. Here stands the bronze Statue of Brevet 
Lieutenant General Winfield Scott ordered by Congress, 1867, 
erected 1874, H. K. Brown, of N. Y., sculptor, Robert Wood 
& Co., of Philadelphia, founders. Cast out of cannon 
trophies of the valor of the General in Mexico, and 
donated by Congress. Total height, 15 ft.; figure, 10 ft.; 
weight, 12,000 lbs„ ; cost, $20,000. 

[See engraving, page 23.] 

The General is represented in the full uniform of his rank, mounted on a 
war charger, at rest, and surveying the field of battle. The /edesial. of Cape 
Ann granite, stands 14 ft. high, is in five large blocks, total height with statue, 
29 ft. T\y& plat/ornt is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. thick, and weighs 119 
tons, 1,197 lbs. ; Jiib-base, 20ft. X 10 ft. X 1 ft.; 84 tons; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft- X 
3 ft., 41 tons ; die^ 15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft-, 38 tons ; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft- X 3 ft , 

37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total "weight of pedestal, 320 tons 697 lbs. When quarried, 
weighed 400 tons 621 lbs. These are the largest stones ever successfully quar- 
ried in this country, and among the largest in the world. Great difficulty was 
experienced m their removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported lo 
the National Capital by sea. 



SQUARES. 37 

Franklin Square, between 13th and 14tli sts. W. and 
I and K sts. N"., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the 
Grovernment in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spring, 
the waters of which, as early as 1832. were conveyed in pipes 
to the President's House and Executive offices. This water 
is still used for drinking purposes at the President's House, 
it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The 
spring'lies N. of the fountain, beneath two iron and stone 
covers, built in the arch constructed over the spring. It was 
not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In the centre is 
a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- 
er's lodge, with other conveniences, near by. There are also 
several drinking fountains. The square is planted with a 
pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Judiciary Square, on the original plan of tjie city, was 
designated reservation No. 9, and w^as set apart for the then 
contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the judicial 
branch of the Government. ^ It comprises 19| a., and ex- 
tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- 
ana a vs., at the head of 4^ st. W. to G st. IST., and between 
4th and 5th sts. W. The S. portion, fronting on 4| st., is 
occupied by the City Hall. 

On the E. side was erected the immense temporary wooden structure for the 
call given in honor of the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 
1873. On the W. side, during the rebellion, i86i-'65, wooden buildings were 
erected for soldiers' hospitals. This square is one of the largest and most at- 
tractive in the city. 

Rawlins Square, on New York av., SW. of the Depart- 
ment of State, 11 a., is beautifully laid out, with walks, 
trees, evergreens, and shrubbery, and rustic fountains. 

In 1874 was erected there the heroic bronze statue of Brigadier General 
yohn A. Rawlins, of Illinois, Adjutant General and chief of staff to General 
Grant, i864-'65, and Secretary of War, 1869, ordered by Congress in 1872, exe- 
cuted by J. Bailey, of Pennsylvania, 1873, cast by Robert Wood & Co., of 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost ^10,000, 8 ft. in height, and weighs 1,400 lbs. 
The Virginia granite pedestal, 12 ft. high, cost $2,500. 

Mount Veenon Place, at the intersection of Massachu- 
setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW., till 1871, 
was occupied on the E. half by the Northern Market. It 
is beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a 
raised circular space, containing a bronze fountain. 

Triangles. — At the intersection of the avenues and streets 
are small spaces designated Triangular Reservations. Many 
of these E. and W. of tlie Capitol are planted witli trees and 
shrubs, and are further beautified with small fountains. 

Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in the public grounds in 
1871, for the destruction of insects. Each year new cages are placed in the trees 
for the accommodation of their increased numbers. These useful birds are fed reg- 
ularly every morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other squares. 



38 CIRCLES. 

Green Square, at the intersection of Massachusetts and 
Maryland avs., NE. of the Capitol, 3J a., beautifully laid 
out. Here stands the colossal equestrian bronze statue of Ma- 
jor General Nathaniel Greene, of the Revolutionary Army, H. 
K. Brown, sculptor. Erected 1877, under act of Congress, 
June 23, 1874, in conformity with a resolution of Congress, 
August 8, 1786, Eobert Wood & Co., Philadelphia, found- 
ers. Original appropriation, $40,000. October, 1875, $10- 
000 additional to include pedestal. 

The General is in the uniform of an oflScer of the Continental army. He 
points forward, and is in the act of giving orders to an aid on the field of bat- 
tle. The animal is about to step off; the near hind foot rests on a cannon ball, 
and preserves the equilibrium. Total height, 12% ft,, length, 14 ft., weight 
6cco lbs., cost of casting ^10,000. The pedestal, composed of three massive 
blocks of New England granite, is 20 ft. high, making the total height of the 
statue 33^^ ft. 

Lincoln Square. — On East Capitol st., 1 m. E. of the 
Capitol, 6^^ acres beautifully laid out. Here stands the 
bronze group GTit\i\e^ Emancipation, representing Abraham 
Lincoln, the 16th President of the U. S., standing by a 
monolith, and holding in his right hand the proclamation 
of freedom. A slave kneeling at his feet, with manacles 
broken, is about to rise. On his left is the trunk of a tree 
with lash and manacles strewn about. Thomas Ball, of 
, sculptor, 1874; Ferd. Miller, jun., Munich, 1875. foun- 
der. 12 ft. high ; weight 3,000 lbs., cost, $17,000. 

Erected by the Western Sanitary Commission of St. Louis, Mo., out of the 
funds contributed solely by emancipated citizens of the United States, declared 
free by the proclamation January i, 1863. The first contribution, $5.00, was 
made by Charlotte Scott, a freedwoman of Virginia, being her first earnings in 
freedom, and consecrated by her suggestion and request on the day she heard 
of President Lincoln's death, to build a monument to his memory. Unveiled 
April 14, 1876, the anniversary of his assassination, in the presence of the Presi- 
dent of the U.S., cabinet and foreign ministers, and a vast concourse of colored 
and white citizens. Frederick Douglass, orator. The pedestal of Virginia gran- 
ite, 10 ft. high, cost, ;^3,ooo, was voted by Congress. 

It was in this square, in the proposed original embellishment of the Capital, that 
the Historic Column was to be built, to serve also as a mile or itinerary column, 
from which all geographical distances in the United States were to be Calculated. 

Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec- 
tioii of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3^ a. 

A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of 
New Jersey, South Carolina, and JSTorth Carolina avs., is a 
large tract, originally laid out as Reservation Ko. 17. It 
contains 23 J a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off 
as tlie site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never 
since been considei-ed in that connection. It is still with- 
out improvement, though the subject has been called to the 
attention of Congi-ess. 

There are other squares in the SE . parts of the city vacant 
and unimproved. 



ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 



:.9 



Circles. — The space at the intersections of tiie more im- 
portant avenues forms what are termed circles. 

Washington Circle, 23d st. W., at the intersection ol 
Pennsylvania and New 
Hampshire avs., contains 
the Equestrian Statue of 
General George Washington, 
by Clark Mills, ordered by 
Congress in 1853. cost $50- 
000, cast out of guns do- 
nated by Congress. 

it represents Washington at the 
crisis of the Battle of Princeton, the 
horse shrinking before the storm , of 
shot and the din of conflict, while the 
rider preserves that equanimity of 
bearing native to his great character. 

The Thomas CiRCL.n (Circ/e o/ 
Victory), at the intersection of 
Massachusetts and Vermont avs., 
and 14th St. N W. Here is the bronze 
statue oj Maj. Gen. George //. 
Thomas, contracted for by the 
Society of the Army of the Cumber- 
land, 1874; with J. Q. A. Ward, 
sculptor, for $40,000, Bureau Broth- 
ers & Heaton, of Philadelphia, 
founders, $10,000, from new ma- 
terials, heroic height, 16 ft., weight 
7500 lbs. 

Unveiled November ig, 1879, amid 
a grand military and civic pageant, 
Hon. Stanley Matthews, orator. 
The Hymn of Victory, words by 
Herbert A. Preston, music by J. 
Max Mueller, was executed by 100 
male voices and accompaniment of 
the U. S. Marine Band, 60 pieces, a 
full drum corps, and battery of Ar- 
tillery. 

B.mley's Statue of Rawlins (Page 37). 

The General is represented in the field dress of a Major General of the U. S. 
Army, suddenly reining his horse to observe the field of battle. The statue 
/aces south, the line of vision being directed towards the General's native hills 
of Virginia. Pedestal erected by Congress, $25,000, Virginia granite, is of 
beautiful design, elliptical shape, 16 ft. high, with bronze tablets, representing 
the badge of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland. Four bronze lamp 
posts designed by General Thomas L. Casey, Engineer Public huildings and 
Grounds, cast by Robert Wood & Co., Philadelphia, 1S77, co^l $i,ooo each, 12 
ft. high, with three-sided base and three ornamental shafts with surmounting 
centre and three bracketed lanterns surrounding it On this siie a salute of 
800 guns was fired in commemoration of the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, 
April 3, 1865, and a few daj'S later 500 guns in honor of the surrender of Gen- 
eral Lee's army. 

Ornamental Gardening.— In 1851 A. .J. Downing, tlie cele- 
brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government 




40 engineer's office. 

to Li}^ out the public parks and reservations. The grounds 
of the President's House were to be extended to the line of 
the Washington Canal, now B st. I?^., and to be laid out with 
a circular parade-ground, lined with trees in the centre. A 
carriageway, by. means of a suspension bridge, was to con- 
nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the 
Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall lo 
the Capitol. The Mall itself was to be beautifully adorned 
with lawns, walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, 
Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the 
same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- 
templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- 
terrupted by his death in 1852. During the single year of 
his service he prepared a general plan for the laying out and 
beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, 
has been carried out by his successors. In the Smithsonian 
Grounds may be seen a beautiful Vase, erected by the Amer- 
ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A 
description of this tribute to his genius will be found m its 
appropriate place. 

Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate laying out 
and planting of the public parks were both crude ajid spas- 
modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the 
Government had made the city its permanent seat, there 
were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the 
grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still 
in the. unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the 
old Treasur}^ Building was enclosed. The next year the 
pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of 
the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, wac; 
planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were 
completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and 
planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park of 
the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of the Mall 
from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- 
ing an addition of 8 a. The park was walled in and the grounds 
laid out in walks and supplied with fountains. In the same 
year the President's Grounds were in more creditable condi- 
tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was 
proposed to lay out an extensive fish-pond, to supply the Presi- 
dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to 
the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality 
of Congress, were again, neglected. 

Office, Engineer in Charge. — in 1871 a system of improvememtswas 
inaugurated by Major O. E. Babcock, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., in charge of 
Public Buildings, Grounds, and Works. Congress annually appropriates from 
$!ioo,ooo to §500,003, to [jc expended under the Engineer's office, for salari'"«j 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 



41 



the improvement and care of the public grounds not otherwise specially assigned j 
repairs and refurnishing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; light- 
ing the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds; and construction and re- 
pairs of all bridges on the Potomac and Anacostia, and repairing and extension of 
Government water-pi pes. 

Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- 
den, originally on Mssouri av., between 3d and 4^ sts. W., 
is beautifully situated on the banlvs.of the Potomac, S. of the 
Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The. /b/'c- 
ing liovses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation ( 
and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 
1872, from the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower 
seeds were collected and cured. These, with surplus plants, 
sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, 
chrysanthemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and other 
hot-house annuals and shrubs propagated at these gardens, 
were distributed to members of Congress, and others notified 
by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Nursery is 
connected with the garden, in w^hich trees and shrubs are 
grown for the supply of the public parks. 




Copyright, 1874; DeB. R. Keim. 

BOTANICAL GARDEN AND GREEN-H0U8B. 

Botanical Garden. — Open daily, 9 n. V7. to 6 p. w. — This 
instructive place of public resort is situated at tiie foot of Capi- 
tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. W., and between Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for 
pedestrians, ono opposite the main central W. gate of the Cap- 
itol Park and the other on 3d st., op])Osite the E. end of the 
Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble and brick gate 
piers, with iron gates. No wheeled veliicles are permitted in 
the garden. The avenues diverging from tlie W. Capitol Park 
give the garden a wedge-shape, the narrower end facing tiie 
W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., sui-i-oundod by 



42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

a low, brick wall, with stone coping and ii*on railing, and is 
laid out rn walks, lawns, and flower-beds. N". of the Main 
Conservatory is a Isirge fountain, with 9 main jets and a mar- 
ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from 
the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude 
of 65 ft. This fountain in full play presents a beautiful ef- 
fect, especially when reflecting the rays of the sun. S. of 
the Conservator}'' is a smaller fountain, with a granite basin. 
JDuring the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged 
on either side of the main walk, and contribute materially to 
the beauty of the garden. 

The Main Conservatory, commenced in 1867 from designs 
by Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central 
dome and two wings. The base is of marble and tlie super- 
structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 
60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is 
supported on a brick column, which answers the double pur- 
pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an 
iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surrounded by 
a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front 
of the Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept by the Su- 
perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories, of brick 
and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- 
room, with accommodations for 100 students. The latter fea- 
ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany 
by the colleges of the capital to hold lectm-es here. All the 
conservatories are heated by hot water, conducted in iron 
pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the 
vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- 
vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis-' 
trihidion of rare plants. For the* latter purpose there are 4 
conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. 
The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee of 
Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- 
Ijlying to tlie chairman of the committee for plants or seeds, 
is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained 
in the same way. 

Botanical Collection. — The first collection of plants in 
this National Conservatory was brought tff the United States 
by the Exploring Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, 
1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes. The collection was first deposited in the Patent 
Office, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden. 
Some of the plants are still living, and a large share of the 
present collection are the descendants of those brought back 
by the Wilkes Expedition. A few have fm'nished represent- 
atives for many of the principal conservatories of the United 
States and Eui-ope. 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 

The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- 
ical distribution. The strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- 
tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- 
ing protection and lying towards the N. pole, are j)laced in 
the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries 
lying towards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. 

The Centre Building or Rotunda^ temperature 80°, contains 
a fine variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the 
princes of vegetation, and of which there are 300 kinds, the 
most prominent being here represented. The most interest- 
ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarly 
known as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was 
so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- 
ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the 
Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egypt, and Persia it sup- 
plies almost every want of the inhabitants. The fruit is 
used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and 
the sap for sphituous liquor. It matures in 10 years and 
then fruits for centmles, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a 
time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from 
year to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils 
or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is 
held. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of 
Egypt bore no fruit in the year 1800, owing to the presence 
of the French army in the country, which prevented the an- 
nual marriage feast. 

Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory 
are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama 
hat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; the 
East India bamboo ; the tree fern, from !N"ew Zealand ; as- 
trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its 
cork-screw leaves and roots in mid air; the cinnamon of 
Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the 
West Indies ; and banana, that most prolific of all plants ; 
the great stag and elkliorn ferns from Australia, (very fine 
specimens, ) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap 
of the root of the latter will take away the power of speech. 
Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was 
eight days speechless from tasting it. The outer cncle of 
the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. 

The E. range^ temperature 50-, and wing^ 40°, are de- 
voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands, 
Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, and jN'ew Holland, 
The principal specimens are the tree fern of jN'ew Zealand ; 
the aloe and the Caffre bread tree from the Cape of Good 
Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of 
Brazil; Norfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 



4-4 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen 
plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the 
plume of that bird ; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the 
Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting 
their huts; the coffee plant, and several varieties of cactus. 

To the W. range and wiiig^ temperature same as E., the 
plants of- China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and 
Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the 
cycadaceas, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; 
the four-century plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; 
the lovelj^ lily of Cuba ; the historic papyrus aniiquorum^ or 
paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of 
China ; tlie guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the 
vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic 
bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, 
the clieramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West 
Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American 
aloe, or century plant, of Mexico; the camphor tree from 
Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which lias 
the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant 
of the adansonia digitata^ or monkey bread, which grows on 
the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous circum- 
ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 
5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces 
them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is 
also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes 
called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- 
posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John 
fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety 
of climbing plants. The arrang'ement of the exotics in the 
Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature 
tropical forest, with its luxuriant growth of tree and vine. 
Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- 
men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories 
have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied 
with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from 
St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built 
on the Korth American continent within tlie present limits 
of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's hair fern 
grows in the vase. 

Tbe outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- 
tion. One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japo- 
nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air 
plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- 
tributions from the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. 
The supply is kept up by propagation and purchase, and at 



LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 45 

rare intervals by scientific or exploring expeditions of the 
United States. 

Superintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W. 
D. Breclienridge ; 1852, William K. Smitli. 

History. — The design of the projectors of the city contem- 
plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the 
extensive reservations whicli had been set apart for public 
purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its 
location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the 
city and urged tlie S. Pari* of the President's Grounds, but as 
the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen fit to 
establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. 
The topography of the ground, however, w\as most uninvit- 
ing. The Tiber.flowed across one end of it, and most of it 
was low and marshj^, and exposed to the ebb and flow of tlie 
tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the 
early execution ground of the city, and that no less than five 
criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Society 
of Washington was incorporated by Congress. Tlie society, 
prior to its incorporation, through the individual efforts of 
those interested in botanical researches and investigations in 
the District of Columbia, had prepared a full list of plants, 
and as early as 1817 liad arranged them according to the Lin- 
nsean classification and the more fashionable arrangment of 
Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same 
now used by Congress for that pm-pose. Under the auspices 
of the society the marshy portions were dredged and con- 
verted into a small lake, into which tlie tide continued to ebb 
and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting 
of fine oaks, button woods, gums and persimmons. The 
only vestige remaining of these primitive efforts at a botan- 
ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of 
the societj'- the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 
1850 the representative management was assigned to the 
Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The first 
buildings were then erected, and the oflSce of Superintendent 
created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, 
jvho had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- 
pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- 
rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- 
ning with the filling of the entire grounds to a depth of 5 to 
« ft. 

Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely 
by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 
1848. In that ja^ar Congress made an appropriation of $2,000 



46 



STATU E8. 



for pa}ing the Washington Gas Company for hghtin^^ the 
Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laj^ng 
pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of loth st. 
W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- 
posts and lamps and other necessary fixtures. This was the 
first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also 
first introduced into the President's House. It has since, 
grown into general use. The Government provides for the 
figlitingof all public builduigs and gi'ounds, and the District 
for avs. and sts. 

Statues. — The statues in the public parks coiitribute 
greatly to the adornment of the capital. A description of 
each will be found with the grounds in which placed. 




The Washington Aqueduct (Jarvis). 

Water Supply.— The water of the city is carried from the 
Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 
12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir, 2 ra. from Kock Creek and 
4J m. from the Capitol. The daily supply is 30 million galls, 
and consumption 17 million galls., or 127 galls, to each per- 
son—the largest of any city in the world. The full capacity 
of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this 
remarkable work will be found in another part of this Hand- 
book. . 

In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are 
laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three 
of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in.. and 
12-in. Leavi'ig tlie vault these three mains run parallel across 
the country to a small sti-eam known as Foundry Branch. 



WATER SUPPLY. 47 

Near this point they strike tlie road along* the Chesapi'ake 
and Ohio Canal, which they follow through Bridge and Aque- 
duct sts., Georgetown, to Rock Creek, a distance of 2 m. On 
the way the 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an 
arch of 120 ft. span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. 
main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At Rock Creek two 
of the three mains ai'e joined, so that the water is conveyed 
through two 48-in. pipes, which form an arch of 200 ft. span 
across that stream. These arches also sustain a roadway for 
a horse railway and general traffic between the cities of 
Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge 
the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania 
av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. N., 
following it to New Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 
30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. N.; thence, in a 
20-in. main, to 11th st. E., where it terminates; the 30-in. 
main, laid by the United States from Rock Creek, leaves 
Pennsylvania av. at the Washington Circle, following K st., 
Massachusetts and New Jersey avs. to B st. N., and thence 
is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. N. to 11th st. E. 
A branch from this main supplies the Botanical Garden, 
Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by 
the United States from Rock Creek, follows the line of Penn- 
sylvania av. and 8th st. E., thence to the Navy Yard wharf, 
on the way passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. N. 
and 1st St. E. Distance, 4|m.; or 6| ra. from the reservoir. 

These mains supply all the public buildings and fountains, 
besides the daily consumption of the city. The branch pipes 
for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law 
the M^ater-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying 
new pipes and keeping old ones in repair, but cannot be a 
source of revenue. 

The total length of Distributing Pipes, Nov., 1873, was 
132.69 m., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aque- 
duct, 10.41 m. by the late corporation of Georgetown, and 
105.3 m. by the City of Washington. The pipes are supplied 
with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards 
of 500 fire-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and 
water-services, water-meters, &c. 

A tax of 1^ of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all 
property which binds or touches upon any street in which a 
main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual fire- 
plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main 
pipe, the o\\^lers or occupants of which do not pay an annual 
water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. 

In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the 
springs within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 



48 THE HARBOR. 

the iST. The elevation of the source of the latter was 236f 
ft. above tide. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. 
After also supplying the E. part of the citj^, the excess was 
to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the 
proposed Cascade^ to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. 
i nto a reservoir below. Thence the water was to be distributed 
into three falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, 
and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- 
tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2^ miles K. 
of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- 
voir in the E. Park, and from thence into the building. The 
surplus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- 
tain in the W. TerracQ. In 1836 Congress purchased this 
spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 
a scant supply was carried in pipes from the -reservoir in the 
E. Park along the IS", side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- 
ury Department, and subsequently'' to the General Post Office. 
In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied 
the President's House and " public offices." It does the same 
now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. 
At the same time a new spring at K and 13th sts. NW. was 
opened, and carried a supply of 60 gallons a minute to the 
vicinity of F and 13th sts. NW. Also pipes were laid from 
a spring on !N"ew Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- 
other just W. of the ISTavy Yard, which supplied the SE. sec- 
tion of city near the Anacostia. Over half a century elapsed 
before the Aqueduct was built. 

Fountains. — In the public parks and squares are a number 
of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, 
contribute greatly to the beauty of the citj^ The largest is 
in the Botanical Garden. There are also fine ones IST. and 
E. of the President's House and N. of the Treasury Depart- 
ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a 
basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' 
heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another,' with a bronze 
centre-piece. There are many of smaller dimensions. The 
first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation 
and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By 
the Mayoralty. Robert Brent, Esq." 

The Harbor. — In front of Washington the Potomac, re- 
leased from the hUls above Georgetown, expands into a broad 
lake-like river. 

The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and 
after a course of 400 m. empties into the Chesapeake Bay. 
At its confluence with the bay it is 7^ m. wide, and in front 



THE HARBOR. 49 

of Washington 1^ m., with 18 ft. of water. The Aiiacostia 
at its mouth is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is 
fully as deep. Salt water reaches to within 50 m. of the city. 
The average tide at the 'Hnvy Yard is 3 ft. 

The Harhoi of Wasliingioii consists of a channel extending 
from Greenle.'if 's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at th^ 
junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th 
St. W., a distance of | m., and also a small channel in the 
Anacostia. 

Tiie Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up 
to Maryland- av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. 
at mean low water, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal 
wharf. The greatest depth to the lower wharves at*6th st. 
SW. is 11 ft., and to Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge 
this channel graduallv shoals, and is lost in the flats off 
17tli St. 

T\\Q. Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft., 
between tlie depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 
"250 ft. The greatest depth to the ISTavy Yard is 14 ft., and 
1 m. above is but 6 ft^ 

The Harbor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the 
bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left 
bank and -i small portion of the right or Virginia bank and 
Analostan island, near the same bank. This harbor has an 
average width of 800 ft., with an average depth of 25 ft. at 
mean low water. The depth over the bar in the main chan- 
nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at 
mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by 
dredging. 

The Main Channel^ starting at the harbor of Georgetown, 
runs between Analostan Island andEasby's Point, the S. end 
of 27th St. W., along the bank of the river to the W. end of 
Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point 
of the mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the channel 
of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac front of Wash.- 
ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, 
which extends down the main river. The length of the main 
channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep 
water at Geisborough Point is 4f m. The depth at mean 
high water at the shoalest place in the Potomac below Wash- 
ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac 
and the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an 
expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and 
mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third 
is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 
4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 



50 COMMERCE, 

that these deposits increase yearly as the shores above are 
cleared of forest. 

Wharves and Canal, — The wharves of the city along the banks of the 
Potomac, at the foot of 17th st. W., are used by wood and sand craft; 7th st. 
W., by steamboats and schooners; and on the Anacostia, W. of the Navy-yard, 
for wood, lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the Washing- 
ton market. During the building of the city, the Acquia Creek stone for the 
Capitol was landed on the banks of the Tiber, about where the Potomac Gar- 
den now stands. The stream was deepened, so that with the aid of the tide flat 
boats could ascend. 

For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand- boats, and other small craft 
destined for the city, Jmnes Creek, which enters the Anacostia immediately E. 
of the Arsenal, in 1875 was dredged to a depth of 8 tt. at low-water mark, and 
widened to 60 ft. as far as Virginia av. at its intersection with S. Capitol St. 
The old Washington Canal, which connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d 
St. E. with the Potomac at the foot of 17th st. W. commenced in 1791 and fin- 
ished in 1837, h^s been filled, and a covered sewer built in its place. 

Commerce. — The improving the navigation of the Potomac and the 
construction of a canal to the head-waters of the Ohio, were enterprises co- 
eval with the founding of the capital. Jilexandria, 7 m. below, already en- 
joyed a commerce with the cities and towns on the Chesapeake, along the Atlan- 
tic coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, }\is\. above, also had a 
local trade of some importance. The introduction of steam on the Potomac 
took place shortly after its satisfactory application as a motive power in navi- 
gation. The Washington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company, 
an earlier corporation, was succeeded by the Washington, Alexandria, and 
Georgetown Steam-packet Company, incorporated in 1829. H\\& facilities of 
travel on the river and bay, and to points N. by the sea, by sail and steam, 
have at different times since been largely augmented. Merchant vessels belong- 
ing to the customs district of Georget'-wn, which includes Washington — 1872, 
sail 78, 2,081 tons ; steam 25,5,0845^ tons; unrigged 309, 18,490^: total 412, 
25,656 tons. There is an extensive home trade on the Potomac River and 
Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on the Atlantic seaboard. The 
dXr&cX. foreign trade is small, all imported goods being received through other 
ports. 

Harbor Improvement. — In 1872 a board of officers was appointed, under 
an act of Congress, with a view to the improvement of the channel of the river 
and the water fronts of Washington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, 
and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. The board re- 
ported three plans, that most favored proposing but one channel, of sufficient 
width and depth for all purposes ; a direct continuation of the river at George- 
town, to run along the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, 
and thence directly toward Geisboroiigh Point on the left bank, joining the 
deep channel of the river at that point, following nearly the present main chan- 
nel of the river, and affording a frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 feet deep, 
would be of sufficient width to enable the largest vessels to move with ease and 
free from danger of grounding, and also to discharge the heaviest freshets. The 
great freshet of about 1852 swelled the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below 
the Little Falls, to a height of 43 feet above mean high water; at the Aqueduct 
Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3 4-5 m. below, 4^ ft. ; and at Alexandria, 
about 33^ m. still lower down, 2^ ft. The width of channel adopted for the 
Anacostia is 600 ft., with a depth of 23 ft. at mean low water at the Navy Yard 
Bridge. For the transhipment of coal from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 
in front of Georgetown, it is proposed to erect suitable aocks and piers, to be 
continued by lines of bulkhead, including piers, the whole commencing at the 
NE. corner of High and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the 
entire Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to. the outer end of the 
N. abutment of Anacostia Bridge. 

With these improvements Long Bridge would be reconstructed, with spans of 
not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, with two openings of not less than 160 ft. 
clear in each, the bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordinary travel. The 
estimated co=t of the whole work is g6 .000,000; or less expensive materials, 
^4,000,000. Land reclaimed, il?^ a. ; time to complete, 4 yr>. 



52 BRIDGES. 

It is proposed to remove the Naval Observatory, and use 
the earth for fining. 

Extension of the Oity. — Long Bridge, to the w^ater front, to 
be designated Railroad Avenue^ would be laid out in a road- 
way 200 ft. wide, with space for rail-traclvS in the centre and 
a carriageway on either side. The irregular space between 
Maryland av. continued to the water, Eailroad av., and tlie 
bulkhead, including streets, 44 a., with 4 piers, to be re- 
served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall 
would be extended W. to proposed Potomac av., would give 
an aggregate length of 2^^^ m., and would form a magnifi- 
cent triple avenue, sweeping away in front of the W. fa- 
cade of the Capitol, by the side of which would tower the 
Washington Monument, and along which could be erected 
statues and monuments to the memory of the great men of 
the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues 
would be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the 
Government reservations, 454 a., with the exception of Rail- 
road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to 
run the entire length inside the bulkhead. The street, 100 ft. 
wide inside the bulkheads, on the Anacostia front, called by 
the name of that stream, would run from the Arsenal to the 
Navj-yard. 

Bridges. — The-re are no fine bridges across the Potomac or 
Anacostia connecting Washington with the opposite shore. 
At the beginning of the present century there were four 
bridges : one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three 
across the Anacostia ; all owned by private companies. Tliere 
are nov/ the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which is also 
used for a railway, and the l^Tavy Yard and Benning's, or the 
Upper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Bridge also crosses the Anacostia above 
the I^avy-yard. 

In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a draw on the E. and 
W. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end was 
destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the 
presence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 
1832 the Government purchased it and built a new one, which 
was destroyed hj ice in 1836. It Avas restored in 1838. In 
1850 it was proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, 
but after plans were submitted the matter dropped. The 
railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 
1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles 
and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and 
Alexandria Railroad. ISTear the Washington end is a small 
draw over tlie E . channel. From tliis point a causeway' crosses 



BRIDGES. 53 

vhe marshes of the river to the Vh-ginia channel, which is sur- 
mounted by a wooden structure, with a draw sufficient to ad- 
mit of the passage of the largest vessels. It was by this bridge 
that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into 
Virginia during the rebellion, 1861-'Go. 

The Navy Yard Bridge across the Anacostia, from the 
the foot of 11 St. E., to Uniontown or East Washington, 
supplanted a wooden structure, built in 1819. It was over 
this bridge that Booth escaped after the assassination of 
President Lincoln. 

The new Wrought Iron Truss Bridge, erected under act of Congress, June 
22, 1874, and opened June, 1875, cost, ^146,000. Has horizontal top and bot- 
tom chords, vertical posts of" Phoenix" columns, and diagonal tie rods, built by 
Clark, Reeves & Co., Phoenixville, Penn. ; is 1700 ft. long; roadway 20 ft. 
wide, and two side walks each 5 ft. wide; spans 102 ft. each ; one draw span 36 ft., 
with 30 ft. clear opening, 12 hydraulic cement piers, and 2 abutments of granite, 
gneiss andjime stone laid in regular courses ; 440 ft. of causeway. Free Bridge 

above is the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Bridge. 

The Chain Bridge across the Potomac at the Little Falls, 
4 m. above Washington, connecting the District of Columbia 
and Virginia, was l^uilt before ISll, and was a chain suspen- 
sion bridge. This name has always been retained, though 
several structures — the last a Howe truss bridge, partly car- 
ried away in 1870 — ^have since been demolished by ice gorges 
and freshets, which* rise to 40 ft. The present wrouglit-iron 
truss bridge w^as ordered by Congress in 1872, built by Clark, 
Reeves & Co., Phoenixville, Penna., was erected and opened 
in 1874. It is 1,350 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, 2G ft. high, and has 8 
spans, from 160 to 170 ft. each. The floor beams are 15-in. 
rolled iron; planking, 3-m. Ij^orth Carolina Pine ; stands 30 
ft. over the main channel, and cost $100,000. The bridge 
rests on the old stone piers, raised 18 in., and isfj-ee. It is a 
very fine structure, and the country around is wild and ro- 
mantic and is well worthj^ of a visit. It is also visible from 
the aqueduct road. 

The other bridges within the District are Benning^s, a 
wooden structure, ^ m. above the Navy Yard, and the Aque- 
duct of the Alexandria Canal at Georgetown. 

Communication between Washington and Georgetown 
across Rock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The 
Pennsylvania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, consisting 
of an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 48-in pipes, used to con- 
vey the aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests 
the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges are also superior 
specimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, 
'n the SE. parts of the city, is spanned by iron and stone 
bridges. In the county stone culverts are used over natural 
watercourses. 



54 TELEGRAPHS. 

Street Eailways. —Since 1862, when first incorporated, these 
popular modes of city conveyance have been o-reatly extended. 
Two lines cross the city E. to W. and tv/o N. to S., and from 
Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the NE. angle of the 
Treasury N., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another 
from the same point to the E . Boundary. JSTevv enterprises of 
this character are laid out or in course of completion. There 
are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated 
on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.] 

Eailroads. — The capital is accessible by railway from all 
parts of tlie United States. Previous to the establishment of 
railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- 
roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District 
into the city. A tln'ough road of communication across the 
AUeghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 
Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated hj 
the Stat(j of Maryland to bnilda road from Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, to enter the District and city ; Congress merelj^ re- 
taining jurisdiction of the soil. This was the first efiort to 
establish railway commanication witli the ISTational Capital. 
A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad into 
Washington was authorized in 1831. Bj 1841 there were 
two trains, daily, each way, between Waslsington and Balti- 
more — time, 21 hours. The incorporation of" the Washing- 
ton and Alexandria in 1854, and the lateral branches of the 
Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions 
of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the ISTational Cap- 
ital with the railroad sj^stems of the E., IST., W., and S. [See 
General Informatio7i.] 

Telegraphs.— In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be 
expended under the Secretary of the Treasurj'', for testing the 
capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- 
graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of jSTew York, for the 
use of the Government of the United States. In 1845 the line 
was completed between Washington and Baltimore . In 1846 
Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in 
the Treasury of the United States for the benefit of the Post 
Ofiice Department, iii the same manner as revenues from post- 
ages. From this beginning the present extensive system of 
telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now 
owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the 
principal means of conveying intelligence respecting the op- 
erations of the Government to the people of the country 
through the newspapers. [See General Information,'] 



SECTION III. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 




to the 
for the 
United 



HISTORICAL RETROSPECT. 

HE Legislative and Executive branches of the 
Government occupy buildings erected expressly 
for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- 
cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, 
tliough such provision for its accommodation was 
originally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted 
purposes of Congress, and aftbrds liwited facilities 
sessions and business of the Supreme Court of the 
States 











S ¥7'm[''^'PI*! .iSai' ' k1 '«''!' SIS'' rVRvra iSI l»^" S'-l ■ -"TOl 



.i'i^iX' 



EXECUTIVE BUILDING. ] 798-1 871 

The increase of the Government business and the inad- 
equate accommodations allbrded by the public buildings, 
commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of 
cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in different 
parts of the city. 

Tiie Department of Justice occupies the upper portion of 



56 ' THE CAPITOL. 

the Freedmeii's Bank building. Winder's building, origi- 
nally erected for a hotel, now owned by tlie Government, is 
used by several of the bureaus of the War Department. A 
number of tlie bui'eaus of the other executive offices are 
similarly provided for. 

The tirst edifices built for the accommodation of the exec- 
utive offices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., and the Treas- 
ury, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; 
the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. 
The War Office, now the ISTavy Department, was later trans- 
ferred to the new building- on the N. In 1818 Congress au- 
thorized tlie erection of two new buildings N". of those then 
standing. These were completed during the administration 
of President Monroe. The four structures were then desig- 
nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- 
dent's House; that is, the NE., SE., j^W., and SW. Execu- 
tive Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and N'avy 
Departments. The site of the first two is now occupied by 
the Treasury Department. The War and Navy Departments 
are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room 
for the new State, War, and ISTavy Department now build- 
ing. The first building, designed by George Hadfield, Arclii- 
tect of the Capitol, formed the models for all. They were 
brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. front, 60 ft. deep, 
and "" ') ft. high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. 
The}- were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It 
was originally intended to have a passage between them and 
the President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. 
building, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in 
March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- 
sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- 
ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- 
menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the 
Government became so great, all the offices were accom- 
modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- 
cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 
Indian Bureau in the NW., and the General Land Office in 
the SE. Executive Buildings. 



THE CAPITOL. 

The Capitol of the United States (opeii every day, except 
Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau which, forms 
the E. portion of the city. It may be reached from the more 
populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., trom 



APPROACHES. 57 

Qeorgetowii, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the; hill, 
below the W. entrance. From the President's House, by 
Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1^ ui., and 
the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. The 
street cars pass in front of or close bj^ all the hotels. 

Street Oars. — The Pennsylvania-av. (marked "'Capitol") 
Street Cars, from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., 
and by a branch track from S. B St., carry visitors to the 
SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car 
for the Capitol. Those marl^ed "Navy Yard" run within a 
short distance of tlie same point. Those of tlie same line for 
the Baltimore and Ohio HE. Depot would leave them on the 
N. line of the grounds, and some distance from tlie building. 
The Metropolitan, or F-st Cars, by a branch track, land pas- 
sengers on tlie plateau at the NE. angle of the N. or Senate 
Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car f o;* the 
Capitol. The same line of cars to the E . parts of the city on 
E. Capitol St. also pass near the same point. 

Site, — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot^ 
of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts. W., 22 sts. Is"., and 21 
sts. S. On a straight line, however, drawn fi-om NW. to SE., 
it stands about ^ m . towards the latter point . The great white 
Dome which sm*mounts the mighty pile, rising high in the 
air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated 
point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, 
may be seen rolling hills, broad valleys, and rivers. Tlie E. 
fa9ade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of 
Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, 
those on the right being beyond the Anacostia; the IS". 
across a broad int(>i'vening valley to the wooded encircling- 
hills of the city; the S. down npon the low grounds and 
sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomac 
and Anacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; the W. 
overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and 
groves of the Botanical Garden, the Mall, and the President's 
Grounds, and the wooded summit of University Square, with 
the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights 
beyond. 

Approaches. — Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 
to 160 ft. mde, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ap- 
proaches as follows : E. front— to the NE. Maryland av., to 
the SE. Pennsylvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol st. ; W. 
front — ^to the ISTW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Marjdand 
av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and Mail ; N. 



58 THE GROUNDS. 

front— NE. Delaware av., NW. Kew Jersey av., to the N. 
N. Capitol St.; S. front— to the SE. New Jersey av.,to the 
SW. Delaware av., and to the S. S. Capitol st. 

The Grounds. — The grounds surrounding the Capitol, en- 
larged in 1872-'3, by the purchase of squares 687 and 688, for 
$684,199.15, respectively in the N". E. and S. E. angles form 
a parallelogram 1,800 ft. E. and W. and 1,250 ft. N. and S., 
containing 51^ a. The Capitol occupies the centre, and with 
its massive porticos, broad steps and blockings, towering 
dome and columns, pilasters, entablatui-es, with architrave, 
frieze, and cornice, pediment and balustrade, is one of the 
most imposing structures in the world. 

In 1874, Congress, for the first time, took steps towards a 
creditable improvement of these grounds. A topographical 
survey was made, and Fred. Law Olmstead of Kew York, 
landscape architect, authorized to furnish plans. On June 
23, 1874, $200,000 were appropriated to be expended under 
the direction of the architect of the Capitol. Mr. Olmstead, 
charged with tlie execution of the plans, was aided by John 
A. Partridge, engineer in charge, and Geo. Kent Radford, 
consulting engineer. 

The general features of the improvements are the continua- 
tion of East Capitol st., to connet with a hvoad paved carriage 
court, (N'euchatel pavement,) 300 ft. wide in front of tlie cen- 
tral portico. On either side is an undulating space. of oval 
shape. On that portion facing tlie building is a seat with 
blue stone plinth, and base, Seneca back and blue stone coping 
and cap. The seat is divided into 8 spaces by piers of blue 
stone and Seneca, 3 ft. 4 in. liigh, surmounted by bronze 
lamps 12 ft. high. In front is laid a patent Mosaic pavement 
in colors. 

In front of the central portico stands 6 lamp piers 13 ft. 
3 in. high, blue stone base, with red sand stone band, and 
above, blue stone and polished Passamaquoddy (red) granite, 
in alternate courses, surmounted by bronze lamp posts, 12 ft. 
high, designed by Thomas Wlsedell, of X. Y., cast by Janes, 
of JSr. Y., 1874. In the rear, on eitlier side of tlie main 
avenue, is a fioioer casket, base 40 b}^ 30 ft., of blue stone 
and granite, and surmounted by a bronze vase, from wliich 
rises a spray fountain. Around eacli casket is a pavement 
similar to tliat in front of the seat. 

The plans yet to be acted upon for the West Park contem- 
plate a terrace 50 ft. wide, witli supporting walls 10 ft. high. 
Opposite the central western portico an imposing double 
flight of steps will descend to a terraced walk, 40 ft. wide 



60 THE GROUNDS. 

and 1,000 ft. long, terminating in beautiful pavilions. Op- 
posite the main steps is another descent to the three main 
diveroinii' foot-ways. 

From tlic various convcrg'iiiji,' avenues drives and foot ap- 
proaches lead into the grounds through appropriate c'ldrancesy 
to the carriage court and porte cocheres. At the Pennsylva- 
nia and Maryhmd avenue foot approaches, on the west, will 
be large fountains. In tlie northeastern space is the Sumner 
heechs so called in consideration of the Senator's admiration. 

In front of the eentnii western projection of the portico is 
an oval basin, (78,827 galls.,) which receives the water from a 
white and blue marble fountain near by, erected in 1834, and 
fed from a covered reservoir under the carriage court at the 
head of tlie main avenue, East Park, supplied from Smith's 
Spring, 1^ m. N. of the Capitol, just NE. of Howard Uni- 
versitj^, and purchased in 1832. In this basin, in 1814, stood 
the ISTaval Monument to the memory of the officers who fell 
in the Tripolitan war, 1804, now stands in the U. S. Naval 
Academy grounds at Annapolis, Md. 

In the E. Park is the colossal statue of George WasJiington, 
"the father of his country," by Horatio Grreenough, of Mass., 
ordered by Congress, 1832, for the Eotunda of liie Capitol, 
made in Florence, Ital3^ was 8 years in completion, weighs 
12 tons, if erect would be 12 ft. high, and cost, including 
sculptor's work, freight, removals, and attendant expenses, 
$44,000; of this $5,000 weiv. for transportation from the 
Washington navy yard to the Rotunda, about 1 m. The large 
size of the statue has occasioned considerable embarrassment. 
It was designed bj^ Congress tliat it should be suitable to the 
interior of the Capitol. It was found entirely out of propor- 
tion there. Its final resting f)lace is j^et a matter of doubt. 

In the figure^ the right hand points to heaven, and the left, advanced, holds a 
Roman short sword, the handle presented. Over the right arm and lower parts of 
the body falls a mantle. The seat is ornamented with acanthus leaves and garlands 
of iiokvers. The carvings in the back admits of a view of the back of the statue. A 
small figure of Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and of an Indian 
against the right. In basso relievo on the right of the seat is represented Phaton in 
his car, drawn by fl(Sfct steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of the arms 
of the United States. On the left are represented N. and S. America, as the infant 
Hercules strangling the serpent, and Iphicius on the ground shrinking from the con- 
test. The back of the seat bears the inscription, '•'■Simulacrum istud ad magnum 
Libertatis exemplum nee sine ipsa duratur'um. HOR.\TIUS GreenouGH, Faciabat. 
(This statue is for a great example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the exam- 
ple endure. Horatio Greenough, Sculptor.) The pedestal is 12 ft. high, and of 
solid blocks of New England granite. The inscriptions are: S. face, "First in 
Peace;" N., " First in War; " W., " First in the hearts of his Countrymen." A 
better effect for the statute, and particularly softening its necessarily coarse lines, 
would be secured by elevating the pedestal to a height of at least 25 ft. 

In 1840 a United States frigate was despatched by Congress to bring the statue to 
the United States. The hatches, however, were not sufficiently large to admit it 
into the hold. A merchant ship, the Sea, was chartered and altered to accommo- 
date the unwieldly mass. In 1841 it arrived and was placed in the rotunda of the 



THE GR0UN1>;S. 



OL 



Capi'col. The 
main door was 
cut away to ad- 
mit it, and a pier 
of masonry e- 
rected beneath 
the pavement to 
support it. Here 
it was out of pro- 
portion, and in 
1842. it was re- 
moved to the E. 
Park, where it 
stood for many 
years beneath 
an uncouth shel- 
ter of pine 
boards. The sta- 
tue, while ad- 
mired as a work 
of art, has been 
much criticised 
as a misconcep- 
tion of the char- 
acter in which 
the subject is 
held in the hearts 
of his country- 
men. A foreign 
writer has desig- 
nated it " a sort 
of domestic Ju- 
piter." 

The Capitol 

originally stood 

on the declivity ^?=g 
of the hill, a:nd " 
on the W. pre- 
sented a story 
below the base 
line on the E. 
To correct this 
defect and great- 
ly enhance the 
imposing ap- 
pearance of the 
structure, the 
s e micircu lar 
rango of case- 
mates, utilized for fuel and storage, was constructed, the outer face forming a beauti- 
ful green glacis. The terre-plein is paved with Maryland Seneca stone, with an outer 
cap of New England granite. IniSzS the terrace was connected with the building by 
the broad platform opposite the western projection, and the west door was cut through. 
In 1873 the iron railing which enclosed the grounds was removed to give place to an 
enlarged line of enclosure then purchased. 

The conjif/uration ot the iiiimedlate eminence upon which 
the Capitol stands has been mutei-ially chang-ed and beauti- 
fied by the hand of art. Tlie ori.g'inal slopes liave been mod- 
ified by terraces and slopes falling- to the level of the divergent 
avenues. Tliere is also an enlaroed line of enclosure, em- 




GREENOUGH S STATUE OF WASHINGTON. 



62 GENERAL' DESCKIPTION. 

bracing' the acqttisltions of acinitioiial ^^roiind. Outside of 
this runs a paved foot walk, with heav}' granite curbing, with 
handsome lamp-posts, on tlie line of the thoroughfare. The 
boundaiT streets are also paved and lighted. 

General Description. — The Capitol of the United States, 
as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest 
building of the kind on the face of the earth, and does credit 
to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation. 
In durabilit}^ of structure and costliness of material it is also 
superior to any other. The great edifices of the Old World 
are accumulations of a number of centuries. The Gapitol 
of the United States is the stupendons work of less than 
a single century. The elevated seat, formed by nature and 
art, upon which the Capitol stands, is 89J ft. above ordinary 
low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably 
adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architecture. 
The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest 
depth, the breadth of the Avings, 324 ft., including (lie porticos 
and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3 J acres. The struc- 
ture in detail consists of a main building and tioo extensions, 
with connecting corridors. The maiyi or central building is 
352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121| 
ft. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico 160 ft. wide, 
consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in 
number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico 
is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enriched 
entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. broad. Over this 
rises an attic sto;y, surmounted by the Dome, 135 ft. in diam- 
eter. In the rear and on either side of this main portico the 
edifice rests on a basement to correspond with that of the 
portico. Above this rises the order, two stories in height, 
with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal- 
ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is 
proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and 
extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at 
least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as 
to perfect the architectural group. Between the original 
building and each of the extensions, which lie at the X. and 
S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in 
length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on either 
front. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. 
and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the 'N. and S. fapades. 
The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E., 
which correspond with the main building. 

The fagades of each extension are embellished with porti- 
cos on three sides, those on tiie E. consisting of 22 flu^-e 1 



THE DOME. 63 

niouolitliic colr.mii-, in two rows, X. Jind S., and 10 on the 
W. ends, tiie columns facing- the JST. and S. respectively con- 
stitntina; the N. and S. fronts of the building. The xjorticos 
of the N". and S. facades are 12-1 ft. front. 

The W.fro'nt of the main building- presents a central pro- 
jection of S3 ft. by 160 ft. front, with a recessed colonnade 
100 ft. in extent, consisting of 10 coupled columns, elevated 
on a rustic basement, as the E. front, and rising, with its en- 
tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- 
eled screen or attic. The rest of tlie W. front is the same 
as tlie E. There are no steps on the W. front of the main 
building, it being entered from the upper terrace. The exten- 
sions stand on a foundation of granite, raised about 4 ft. on 
all sides ; the basement or gTound floor is reached by granite 
steps. On tlie E. facade are three broad flights of steps, 
which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the 
basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on 
the outside from the casemated terrace on the W. 

The material employed in the central building first erected 
is freestone, from the G-overnment quarries at Aquia Creek, 
about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners 
in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- 
pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, 
from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- 
sions are fi-om the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 
20 m. l!^. of Baltimore. 

The appropriations made by Congress from 1800 to date 
for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol 
amount to $13,000,000. 

The Dome. — Out of the centre of the mam buUding rises 
the great Dome of the Capitol^ designed by Walter, and which 
replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- 
ing dimensions : 

Exterior Height — above the base line of the E . facade of tlie 
Capitol to the top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the W. gar.^ 
of the park, 360 ft.; above the balustrade of the building, 218 
ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19 J ft. Total height iron) 
base line to crest of statue of Freedom^ 307^ ft. Total height 
above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, ISofft. 

The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stylobate^ 93 ft. 
above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the 
building consists of a peiistgle^ 124 ft; in diameter, of 36 h'on 
fluted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above 
this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristyle 
to the attic is 44 ft. Above the balustrade begins the domi- 
cal covering. The apex is surmounted by a lantern., 15 ft. in 



THE DOME. 



diamoter and 50 ft. high, surrounded bj' a peristyle, and 
crowned by tlie bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the 
lantern is a balustrade aroimd the crowning platform. The 
outer domical sliell is pierced with glazed openings for the 
admission of light. In the lantern is a reflecting lariip^ lighted 
by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of 
Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all 
parts of the city. 
The Statue of Freedom, by Crawford, 1865, which sur- 
mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- 
resents the figure of a female, the r. 
hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed 
sword; the 1. on a shield, and holding 
a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- 
sists of an eagle's beak, embellished 
A\ith plnmes of feathers. This head- 
gear was not the conce^jtion of the 
artist, ?^but an after-suggestion. The 
original model represented a simple 
head-band, encircled with stars. The 
drapery of the figure is both chaste and 
striking. Over an inner garb is a fur- 
red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 
1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; 
at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, 
and held by a brooch, bearing the let- 
ters U. S. The attitude of the statue 
exhibits in a striking degi-ee the beauty 
of feminine grace with decision. The 
statue is 19J it. high, and the weight of 
bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,240 K)S.) 
and 1,545 lbs. It was cast at Clark 
Mills' foundry at Biadensburg, 5 m. 
XE. of Washington, and cost $23,796. The statue stands on 
ii, bronze capping for the Dome, representing a globe, with 
an encircling zone, upon M'hieh are the words "^ Plvribus 
Uiium.'''' The weight^ of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 
lbs., or 3,575 tons (2,240) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon 
a substruction of masonrj^, which forms the foundation of the 
outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, which sup- 
j3ort heavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the 
Rotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron work of the 
immense structure was done by Janes, Beebe & Co., New 
York. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- 
terns and skylights. The roofot the entire building is cov- 
enid with copp^r._ , ^^^ ^^^j^ S^^M^. 




STATUE OF FEEEDOM. 






/ 



PORTICOS. 65 

The following are tlie dimensions of the three gi-eatest 
domes of Europe : 

St. Peter's, Rome, from the pavement to the base of the 
lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft.; ex- 
terior diameter of tlie cupola, 195| ft. ; interior, 139 ft. St. 
Paul's, London, England, to the top of the cross, 404 ft.; 
diameter, 112 ft. Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, over 
the Tomb of Napoleon, 323 ft. 

It will be seen that the Dome of the Capitol of the United 
United States ranks fifth in height and fourth in diameter. 
The dome of the Cathedral of St.'isaac, at St. Petersburg, the 
N"ational Church of Russia, is 363 ft. in height, and is also a 
magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. 

Porticos. — The E. fafade of the Capitol is broken by three 
grand porticos, reached by broad flights of steps, and from 
which opeii tlie three principal doorwa.ys. Beneath each of 
these porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- 
ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. 
Tlie main Portico^ 160 ft. in length, consists of 24 monolithic 
columns, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is 
an allegorical group in alto relievo^ by Persico, an Italian, 
representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, 
representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing 
on a broad unadorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised 
shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of 
glory. The shield, which is oval, represents an ornamented 
altar, in the centre of which is a wreath of oak leaves, in basso 
relievo^ encircling July 4, 1776. In the rear of the figure rests 
a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread 
wings. The head of the figure is crowned with a star, and 
inclines towards the figure of " Hope," who is addressing her. 
The right arm of "Hope " is raised, and the left rests on the 
stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. 
The Genius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting 
the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, 
which represents Justice, with eyes uplifted, and holding in 
the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on which is inscribed 
*' Co-nstitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. 
Justice has neither bandage nor sword, representing that 
American justice judges intelligently. The emblematic char- 
acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, 
all prosperity should be founded in public right and the pres- 
ervation of the Constitution. The execution of the work is 
excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised 
position'. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7J ft. in 
height. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 



66 PORTICOS. 

nudity to the group, but being persuaded that it was con- 
trary to the sentfment of tlie people of the United States, went 
to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is by an im- 
posing flight of freestone steps, flanked on either side by mas- 
sive buttresses. On the S. buttress stands a semi-colossal 
group of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 1846, representing 
tlie Discovery of America^ in a figure of Columbus, holding 
aloft a small globe, on the top of which is inscribed America 
At his side crouches an astonished and awe-stricken Indian 
maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and 
cost $24,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- 
ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants 
of the discoverer at Genoa. The corresponding group on 
the IsT. buttress, by Greenough, 1842, represents the First Set- 
tlement of America^ consisting of five figures : a hunter rescu- 
ing a woman and child from the murderous Indian, while by 
the side js a faithful dog. The work consumed about 12 
years in execution, and cost $24,000. It is of Servazza mar- 
ble. Persico was first designated to make this group. In the 
niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into 
the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and War, both 
by Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, 
a gentle maiden, with loose flowing robes and sandals. In 
her r. hand she beai-s fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War 
is represented by Mars, a stern warrior, attired in Roman 
toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic 
bears tlie symbols of his victims. The statues are of the 
finest quality of Cararra marble, each»9 ft. in height, were 
5 years. in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine 
specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso 7-elievo by 
Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of 
placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington, In 
panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with 
surroundings of leaves. 

The E. Portico of tlie North or Senate Extension is reached 
by a broad flight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landuigs, 
and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design 
of the central Portico. This portico measures 143 ft., and is 
adorned by a double row of monolithic Corinthian columns, 
22 in all, 30 it. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted 
hj a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figures on the 
Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress 
of Civilization in the United States. The centre figure repre- 
sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On 
her r. are figures of War and Commerce, Youth and Educa- 
tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On her 1. the Pioneer, the 
Hunter, and tlie Aboriginal Raee. The latter is represented 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 



67 



by an Indian and squaw, with an infant in her arms, seated 
by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. 
This group, ordered in 1862, was cut by Italians, out of Amer- 
ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost $45,950. 

The E . Portico of the Sonth or '•''House ' ' Extension, hi archi- 
tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as 
that of the N. Extension. The portico is without statuary 
or sculptured embellishment ; yet, with its beautiful marble 
columns supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- 
ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. 

The W. facade, the central projection and extensions, and 
the IST. and S. faces of the building, are decorated with col- 
onnades, of beautiful proportions, and surmounted by balus- 
trades, all in harmony with the poi-ticos on the E. 



t 



1. Main Bronze Door. — The great Bronze Door, designed and 

modeled in Rome, in 1858, by 
Randolph Rogers, and cast in 
bronze in Munich in 1860 by F. 
V. Miller, fills the main door- 
way, from the grand Portico 
into the Rotun^. The leaves 
or valves of the door, which is 
double, stand in a superbly en- 
riched casing, also of bronze, 
and, opened,"fold back into suit- 
ably fitted jambs. The entire 
height is 19 ft; width, 9 ft.; 
weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 
000. Each leaf is di^dded into 
8 panels, in addition to the 
ti-unsoni-panel under the arch. 
Each of tliese contains a com- 
plete scene, in alto reh'cvo. The 
back of the dooj- is llnisbed with 
a simple star in the centre of 
each panel, con-espondii^.g wltli 
the front. A plain molding re- 
lieves the blank space of each. 

The great Bronze Door is a credit to the 

magnificence ami magnitude of the Capi- 

toi. in 1662, contrary to the views of Mr.' 

Walter, Architect of the Capitol, it was 

placed in the S. doorway of the old Hall of 

Representatives, now the Hall of Statuary, 

MAIN BRONZE DOOE. In 1871 it was removed, and has since 

(See pages 68, 69.) properly constituted the main door to the 

Capitol. In the event of the projection of this portico to the east line of the Exten- 

fions, the Bronze Door, it is suggested by the architect, should form the inner or 

vestibule door, where the architecture should be in harmony with its design. 



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1 



68 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal 
events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery op 
America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- 
i^ig'ns. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head of 
Columbicsf a verv excellent piece of facial execution. On 
t!ie sides of the casino- are four admirable typical statuettes, 
placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and 
arranged chronologically: A, Asia,' B, Africa; C, Europe; 
D, America. The rest of the casing is embellished with a 
rn.nning border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- 
signs; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in 
basso 7'eUevo^ and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. 
On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- 
teen statuettes of the patrons and contemporaries of Colum- 
bus. They are given as nearly as possible in the order of the 
importance of their association with the promulgation and 
execution of his theory, or in the extension of the range of 
geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 
ligures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; 
when opened, they are divided, but should be examined in 
tiie order of the references. 

# 

1. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lenzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome 
1492-1503. 

2. Pedro Gonzales de Mendoza, Archbishop of Toledo, and Grand Cardinal of 
Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 

3. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 

4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 

5. Charles VllI, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to thecause 
of discovery. 

6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It 
is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 

7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch who rejected the proposals of Colum- 
bus. 

8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed toby Bartholomew Columbus on behalf 
of his brother; meantime the discovery was accomplished under the auspices of 
Spain. 

9. Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to 
Columbus. 

10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first 
fleet across the ocean. 

11. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 

12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the 
court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of liispaniola. It is said that the likenesf 
is of the sculptor. 

13. xT-lonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, 
and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 

14. Vasco Nuiicz de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of 
Darien. 

15. Amerigo Vespucci, one of the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, 
aiuhor of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its 
name. 

16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 

BIIlllBBBa|_ 



(>f) 




MAIN iSRUNZE JJUOR. 

'I'he panels illustrate in alto relievo the leading events in the 
career of Columbus, beginning at the lower panel of the r. or 
S. leaf of tlie door. 

I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory 
of the globe, which was rejected. 

II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish court from the Convent of La Rabida, 
near Palos. 
JII. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. , 

IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. 
V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and taking 
possession i.n the name of his sovereign. 
VI. Encounter with the natives. 
VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. 
VIII. Columbus in chains. 

IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladolid May 20, 1506, aged 70 
fears. His last words were: *■' In mama tuas^ Domine^ commendo spiritum meum.^^ 
"Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thirty years after his remains 
ivere transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 
1796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. 

Between the panels are a series of heads, representing the 
historians of the^voj^ages of Columbus and his followers. That 
above the lower or N. panel of the door is Wasliington Irving^ 
and in the corresponding position opposite W. H. Prescott. 

The three most celebrated bronze doors of Europe are in Florence, in the Church 
of the Baptistry of St. John. The centre one, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, 1420-'' 50, con- 
sumed 30 years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Tastament. Michael 
Angclo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The others are by 
Andrea Pisano, T330, and Ghiberti, i4OO-'20. The latter illustrates scenes in the 
}iev; 'IVsfumcnt. 

Eotunda. — From the central Portico, passing tlii'onglrthc 
great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy 
of the Rotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 
180 ft., and diameter 96 ft. The circuit of the sides m di- 
vided into eight panels, separated by massive Roman pilas- 
ter.^, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreaths of 
olive 

Over the panels are busts in alto relievo beginning on the left of the west 
door, of Columbus, Raleigh, Cabot and LaSalle, executed by Capellano and 
Caucici Italians, pupils of Canova, ordered 1827, cost with wreath-work 359.500. 
Over the four entrances are aito 7'elievos, cost $3,500 e.ach. 

East Door, Landing of the Pilgrims 1620, Caucici 18 —•a pupil ol Canova ; 
West Door, Pocahontas Saving the Life of Captain Smith, Capellano, 1S21, a 
pupil of Canova ; North Door, William Penn Holding a Conference with the 
Indians, 1682, Gavelet, 1827; So7ith Door, Daniel Boone in Conflict with the 
Indians, 1773, Caucici, 18—. All these are wretched caricatures. 

It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 feet in length, with sculpture repre- 
senting the History of the United States. Also, to otherwise enrich the sides 
of the rotunda with a facing of marble. 

The Historical Paintings :-in ihe rotunda represent the discovery and 
settlement of N. America and events in the struggle for inde- 

pen(1eMce. 

The 'rruinbull paintings were ordered in rSiy, and finished in 1824. Trum- 
bull served as aid de-camp to Washington in 1775. _ His figures are likenesses 
of the actors in the scenes Dorirayed, taken in America and Euroce. 



ROTUNDA. 



71 




BEOTIONAL VIEW OF THE DOME. 
(Prom " Washington Inside and Outside.") 



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S ) CAPITOL INTERIOR. ' 

The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the 
Rotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- 
sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a 
iieight of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 6oJ ft. 
in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is 
ornamented Math a variety of figures in fresco, combining 
allegory and history, executed by C. Brumidi. The central 
group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a 
deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. 
On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground 
are 13 female figures, representing the original States of 
the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- 
port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- 
bus Unum. The figures begin with New Hampshire, on the 
1. of Victory, and follow in semi-circular procession, accord- 
ing to their geographical order. Th« drapery, decoration, 
and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- 
tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- 
opy, which measiu-es about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, 
designed as an allegory of the Revolution, 1776-'83. These 
groups begin at the W. 

1. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling 
with Tyranny and Priestcraft; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the 
ermjned robe of royalty. Discord stands by ; also Anger and Revenge, with the 
incendiary torch. 

2. Agriculture, tovi'ards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. 
America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair 
of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket 
of fruit. 

3. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon^ and 
around are the various instruments of his aYt, with mortars and cannon balls. 

In the E. is— 

4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing 
attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- 
lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, 
complete the allegory. 

5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied 
by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping 
into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 

6. Arts and Sciences. — Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdomj 
surrounded by figures — Franklin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the 
steamboat; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of 
juveniles indicate teaching. 

These frescoes cover 5,000 sq. ft Hundreds of gas- 
jets, lighted by electricity, illumuiuLe not only the canopy, 
but the entire interior of the Dome. 

These frescoes were ordered in 1864, and cost $50,000, of 
which -$39,000 was paid for compensation of the artist and as- 
>;i5tants, and the balance for materials. 



PRINCIPAL STOKY. ^1 

3. West Door of the Rotunda, leading to the main door of 
the Library of Congress. This door is also at the head of the 
staircase leading from the Western Entrance of the Capitol to 
the Rotunda. 

4. Western Main Staircase, connecting Western Entrance 
with the Rotunda. 

5 and 6. Library of the United States. — {Open every day^ 
Sundays excepted, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.; during sessions of 
Congress till hour of adjournment.) 

The Library Halls occupy the principal floor of the entire 
W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- 
tral hall, 91^ ft. long, 34 ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, completed 
in 1853, with two wings on the JST. and S., each 95 ft. long, 29J 
ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1865. The interior was 
designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- 
pleted the central library, and the wings were carried out by 
Mr. Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- 
tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, siu-mount- 
ed by 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of 
iron. The hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by 
skylights fitted in the iron frame- work of the roof, and trans- 
mitted through the ceiling. This consists of iron frame-work 
supported upon massive foliated iron brackets, each w^ei^h- 
ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with 
pilastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff color and 
artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and 
covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- 
white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- 
tral hall. The former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat 
and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- 
paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron-work was 
manufactured in Kew York, and transported in pieces. It 
is the only completely fire-proof library in the world. The 
library halls afibrd accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and 
with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space 
required has been in part supplied by temporary wooden 
shelves ranged along the galleries. 

It is proposed to erect a suitable building in the angle of 
the E. Park of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- 
poses of the Library of the United States. 



82 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

The Library o/ Congress now numbers upwards of 315,000 bound volumes, 
and 100,000 pamphlets, besides manuscripts. The annual increase is about 
12,000 volumes. There are sixteen libraries in Europe containing a greater 
number of volumes. The Library of Congress is the largest in the United 
States. Each House of Congress has a documentary library of its own, com- 
prising all official documents published under their own authority. 

A fine view of the city may be had from the western portico. (See map of 
city for points of interest.) 

Under the Rules pf the Z-Z^r^irj/ the privilege of taking books out is accorded 
by divers statutes. All persons 16 years and upwards can call for books to be 
used in the Hall. 

Th\s national collection 0/ books )\2ii, many distinctive features. It is rich 
in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and maps relating to the history 
and topography of America. It is only approximated in this particular by 
the library in the British Museum in Loudon. Among the rare works are two 
great folios, written on vellum, with numerous illuminations by hand, executed 
with the utmost care in the 13th century ; a constitution of Pope Clement V., of 
Rome, 1467, by Peter Schoeflfer at Mentz ; a copy of Ei lot's Indian Bible ; 300 
early atlases and maps, some unpublished, of the American continent ; a large 
number of incunabula, or books printed during the infancy of the art, by the 
most distinguished early printers, representing every year from 1467 to 1500 ; 48 
folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity ^nd interest. 

Librarians of Cong' ess. — Clerks of the House uf Representatives : 1802- 
1807, John Beckley, of Va.; 1807-1B15, Patrick Magruder. of Md. Librarians: 
1 815-1820, George Watterson, I), C.; 1829.1861, John S. Meehan, N Y.; 1861- 
1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind,; 1864, Ainsworth R. Sf)offord, Ohio. ^ 

History.— The Library of Congress was founded under act of April 24, 1800. 
John Randolph, of Roanoke, of the new committee on the Library, on Dec. 
18, 1801, reported upon the needs of the Library, and on January 26, 1802, 
Congress passed an act placing it on a permanent footing. The first collection 
comprised about 3,000 volumes. From this time various sums from ^452 to 
;Ji2,ooo per annum have been appropriated by Congress for purchases. In the 
burningof the Capitol by the British in 1814, the Library was destroyed. On 
September 21, 1814, Thomas Jefferson tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 
volumes. It was purchased by Congress for $23,93'^. The collection contained 
many rare works gathered in Europe. In 1824 the Library was transferred 
from its temporary quarters over the present offices of the Clerk of the Su- 
preme Court, to the present main hall. On Dec. 24, 1851, the Library then 
numbering 55,000 was destroyed by fire, occasioned by a defi ctive flue. About 
35,000 volumes were burned. Amongst the works of art destroyed were Stuart's 
paintings of the first five Presidents, and originals -if Columbus and Peyton 
Randolph. In 1852 Congress appropriated ^157,500 to refit the hall, which led 
to the present elegant accommodations. In 1866 the Sinithsoiiian Library ^ 
consisting of 40,000 volumes, embracing the largest assemblage of the trans- 
actions of scientific and learned societies in the world, was transferred to the 
Library. \x\.\Zb-] \h& Peter Force Collection ol books, manuscripts, maps and 
papers relating to American history, the most complete extant, was purchased 
for ^100,000. 

On July 8, 1870, the copyright business of the United States was placed under 
the Librarian of Congress, subject to the joint committee on the Library. Two 
copies of the best edition of every book copyrighted must be deposited. 

The Lazv Branch of the Library of Congress (see number 44 Plan of Base- 
ment Story) was not regularly established until the act of 1832. The Librarian 
of Congress was placed in ch.-^rge. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to 
have free access to the Library, and to make rules and regulations for its proper 
custody and mmagement, but not in conflict with the same for the government 
of the Library of Congress. All appropriations, about )g2,oDo per annum, are 
expended by the Libr.iriaa of C 'ijrciss, under th^ direction of the Chief Justice. 
The Library no'v numbers ah.) ir t),>t) vilumes, \'\\ is the largest and most 
valuable in the United States. ! 1 ili'^ it v.-i^ is^igiij 1 1 1 its present quarters. 



7 an'' 8. Store-rooms for the Library 



t»Rix\ciPAL siORt. ,«;; 

CENTRE BUILDING— NORTH WING. 

9. North Door of the Rotunda.— On the left of tlie passa^^e 
are the indicators and keys which operate the wires for light- 
hig the Rotunda. (See 11.) This passage leads into — 

10. Vestibule, of an elliptical shape, and in imitation of a 
Greek temple, concainino- a peristyle, supported on an arched 
substruction. The capitals of the pillars are ornamented with 
the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. Light is admitted 
through a cupola in the small surmounting dome. The latter 
is broken by caissons, enriched by the tobacco blossom. 

11. Ascent of Dome.— At the head of the first flight on 
the r. is the entrance to the battery and elednc gas-liglding 
apparatus. (See Attic story, 3, 4, and 5.) Returning and 
continuing the ascent, an opportunity is afforded of studying 
ihe mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A t,maii 
door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between 
the inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, 
affording a view of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance 
cibove a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 36 iron 
3olumns. The next door opens upon a balustrade above. The 
last ascent is by an abrupt flight of steps over the inner shell, 
which leads to the platform immediately beneath the canopy. 
This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- 
scription of which will be found elsewhere. This platform 
makes a fine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps 
leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- 
Kive view of the city may be had. 

Panoramic View of the City.— With the assistance of the 
maps of the ohty and District, the stranger will be able to ac- 
ouaint himself with the most prominent features in the view. 
Looking towards the E., on the 1. is the Asylum for the Deaf 
and Dumb, and on the r., beyond the Anacostia, the Asylum 
for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting 
with the broad current of the Potomac. On the point are the 
buildings of the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on the opposite shore, 
Alexandria. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with 
Fort Whipple on the r. In the W. is the official cxuarter of 
the city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey 
av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower in the dis- 
tance, on the line of E. Capitol st., is the Soldiers' Homc. 
The railroad which leaves the city on the N. is the Baltimor;* 
and Ohio — the r. branch for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point «" f 
Rocks and the W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- 
more and Potomac, also for the N. and W., running in qou- 
n<>ction with the Pennsylvania Central. The Tiber Creek 
follows the basin of the valley' on the N. 



84 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

12. Vestibule of the Supreme Court. — A door from the ves- 
tibule, of Greek design, opens into Ti second vestibule, from 
which, on the right or east, opens the main entrance to the 
Supreme Court. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. 

13. Supreme Court United States — {Open to visitors every 
day^ except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- 
nal, foi-merly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a 
rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and 
circular apertures to admit light . The chamber is 75 ft . great- 
est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. 
On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia^ 
or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian 
marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minerva, pol- 
ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the 
Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a 
gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet 
above the floor, and are ranged behind a low screen, which 
answers the purpose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies 
the centre seat. The oflScers of the court have desks at either 
end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is 
beautifully carpeted, and tables and chau-s are placed within 
the bar for the accommodation of those having cases before 
the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. 

Against the west wall are marble consoles supporting busts of the departed 
Chief yustices .'—John Jay, by John Frazee, 1831, ^400; John Rutledge, by A. 
Gait, 1857, $800; Oliver Ellsworth, by Hezekiah Angur, 1834, ^400 ; John 
Marshall, by John Frazee, 1836, $500 ; Roger B. Tanej', (after Rhinehart) 
A. L. St. Gaudens, 1876, $700 ; Salmon P. Chase, (from a mask taken in 
1857) ^' ^' Jones, 1875, $1000, 

It was designed in the original plan of the city to erect a separate building 
for the uses of the Judiciary, and for that purpose Judiciary Square was set 
apart. Nothing however was done. In February, 1801, the Supreme Court 
of the United States was assigned to the room immediately below that now oc- 
cupied by it. The present apartment was occupied in December, i860. 

The times for holding the sessions of the Supreme Court have been subjected 
to frequent changes by statutes since 1789. The annual session now com- 
mences on the second Monday of October in each year. The adjournment 
usually takes place in May following. The daily sessions are from 12 noon 
to 4 p. m. The justices, wearing their judicial robes, enter irom the N. door 
of the chamber, and are formally announced by the Marshal or deputy. The 
people in the room rise and remain standing till the Justices are seated. The 
opening of the court is then proclaimed by a proper officer. 

When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the President's chair stood 
in a niche in the screen of columns, and was raised on a platform. In front 
and lower were the desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk, The entablature 
of the screen supported a gallery, in front of which was another, following 
the circle of the room, and supported • by iron columns, with bronzed 
caps, surmounted by a gilt iron balustrade. Against the wall over the E. gal- 
lery was a fine painting of Washington," by Charles Wilson Peale, richly 
framed and draped. The President's chair standing on the line of the diame- 
ter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiating aisles, between which, in 



PRFNCIPATi STORY. §5 

concentric curves, were arranged the Senators' desks. There were accommo-" 
dations for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of the Senate. 
Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. It was in this Hall that Webster, 
Calhoun, Clay, and their cotemporaries, made their great speeches. 

Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, supported by an attic 
colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 to admit more light. The ap- 

proaches to the chamber and galleries were exceedingly dark and gloomy. 
At night a gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, 
across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary of fhe Senate, now 
occupied by the officers of the court. The two rooms on the N. side were as- 
signed to the President and Vice President — now the robing rooms. 

Chief Justices. — 1789, John Jay, N. Y. ; 1795, John Rutledge, S. C, re- 
jected; 1796, William Cuslung Mass., declined ; 1796 Oliver Ellsworth. C<>nn.. 
1800, John Jay, N. Y. ; i8si, John Marshall, Va ; 1836, Roger B. Tanry, Md.; 
1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio; 1874, Morrison R. Waite, Ohio. 

The Judiciary. — Th e. j 2/tf/c /al /!>07ver of the United States, by the third ar- 
ticle of the Constituii(jn. is vested in one supreme court and in such inferior 
courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges of 
both the supreme and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, 
and receive for their servicee compensation which cannot be diminished during 
their continuance in office. The Chief Justice and Associates of the Supreme 
Court of the United Stares are appointed by the President, by and with the 
advice of the Senate. The Constitution defines thejudicial power of the court, 
which is confined to civil cases, national in their character : for instance, be- 

- tween citizens of different States, or in which aliens or representatives of for- 
eign governments are interested, questions under treaties, and appellate and 

'revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. 

14. Eobing Koom. — In this Hpartment l!ic Chief .Justice of 
the Supreme Court and his Associates attire tliemselves in 
their court robes, m which they sit on the supreme bench. 

On the walls are portraits of Chief Justices, John Jay, by Henry Peter 
Gray, 1813, after Gilbert Stuart, 1703, represented in the robe with scarlet fac- 
ings worn by the degree, LL. D., University of Edinburgh, conferred on him, 
presented 1876, by John Jay, his grandson. John Marshall by Rembrandt 
Peale, 1825, presented to Chief Justice Chase by the bar of New York, by whom 
it was bequeathed, 1873, to the Supreme Court of the United States. R. B. 
Taney, by J. G. P. Healy, 1858,^800, taken from life, 85th year, presf-nted. 
1876, by the bar and clerk of the court. 

Fi-om the Robing Room the Justices, in tlieir judicial robes, 
at the hour of meeting of the court, cross the corridor, and, 
passing through the 

15. Justices' Passage and Entrance, enter the Supreme 
Court Room, where they are properly announced by the 
Marshal or his deputy. 

16, 17, and 18. Offices of the Olerk of the Supreme Court of 
the United States. The entrance is from the vestibule, (12.1 



86 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

in the Clerk's Office (16) are portraits of Gabriel Ditvaly of 
Maryland, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, 1811-1836, and William Thomas Carroll^ of 
the District of Columbia, Clerk of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, 1827-1863. 

19 Steps to the Basement and Orypt. (See Basement story.) 

20. Marshal's OfiBlce of the Supreme Court of the United 

Statics. 

21. Steps to the Senate Library. (S?e Nos. 6, 7, and 8, 
Attic Stor5\) 

22. Corridor connecting the main or old Capitol building 
with the Senate Extension. Tiie main door to the Jtoor of 
the Senate Chamber is directly opposite. The cornice is ar- 
tistically executed and tlie panel of the ceiling is formed by 
a fasces border in stucco. Walls tinted. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

23. Southern Corridor. — Connects the eastern (24) and wesfe- , 
ern (25) corridors, whicli lead to the rear of the Senate Cliam- 
ber, tlie Reception Room and Lobby, and to tlie grand stair- 
cases to the attic story and Galleries. This corridor has a 
vaulted ceiling consisting of three circular arches, with in- 
tervening bands and groined arches, which, together with 
tlie walls, are chastely decorated in stucco and tinted. At 
the eastern end, in the recess formed by the line of windows 
on the Senate side of the corridor, is a bust, in marble, of 
Roger Brooke Taney^ of Maryland, Chief Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States, 1836-1864. At the west- 
ern end of the corridor is the Senate office of the Official 
Telegraphy built in 1873, by C C. Maynard, under an act of 
Congress, and connecting the Capitol, the Grovernment Print- 
ing Office, and the Executive Departments, and to extend to 
all the isohitecl Government offices in the city. The wires 
;ire carried from the building across the Capitol grounds biy 
means of a subterranean cable, in order not to mar the pros- 
pect. 

24. Eastern Oorridor leads to the Eastern Grand Staircase, 
(28,) Senate Vestibule, (30,) and Reception Room (34.) Over- 
head, at the foot of the first, the ceiling is formed of panels 
of rich white marble. Walls tinted. 

25 Western Oorridor, to tlie Western Grand Staircase, 
Senate Offices, and Lobby. At the foot of the former, over- 
head, is white marble paneling. The rest of the ceiling to 



PRINCIPAL STOKY. ^7 

(Jtil^.L(^]t>y consists of barrel arches and lunettes, and paneled 
walls, the whole tinted and enriched with flowers in stucco. 

26 and 27 Senate Committee on Pinanoe. — Without special 
decoration. 

28. Eastern Grand Staircaae. — This leads to the Ladies', 
Senators' Family, and Diplomatic Galleries. This magniti- 
cent st-aircase is made of highly-polished Tennessee marble. 
The columns have bronze capitals. The ascent from the 
main floor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which divide at the 
first landing, the rest of tlie ascent being by a double flight 
of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight, set in an 
h-on frame, surrounded by an iron casing of trellis work, rest- 
ing on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, 
in a niche, stands the serai-heroic statue of Franklin, the 
philosopher, in marble, by Hiram Powers, 1862, $10,000. 
Against the E. wall, over the first landing, is the painting of 
Perrv's Victory over the British on Lake Erie, September 
10, 1813, by Powell, of Ohio, 1873, cost $25,000. The paint- 
ing represents the Commodore transferring his flag from the 
Lawrence, wliich had been disabled, to the Niagara. In the 
boat are the Commodore, with his little brother, and a crew 
of brave seamen . The perilous voyage lasted fifteen minutes, 
during which time the English commander concentrated his 
fire upon the party. When they reached the Niagara, the 
oars were shattered, and the little boat bore numerous evi- 
dences of tlie proximity of the emeny's shot. When Perry 
hoisted his pennant on the Niagara, the American fleet was 
inspired with new courage, and by a prompt movement broke 
the British line and won the day. Tlie battle took place near 
Put-in Bay. Perry was but twenty-seven years of age when 
he gained this signal victory. This painting has been severely 
criticised. It is a copy from one on a smaller scale, by the 
same artist, in the State House at Columbus, Ohio. The best 
view of this painting is from the balustrade at the top of the 
staircase. A double stairway, which iniites at the first land- 
ing below, leads beneath the arched support and massive 
blocking of the upper staircase to the basement. A beautiful 
Btained-glass window, at the head of the second descent, 
admits light. These grand staircases, of which there are 
four, two in the North or Senate, and the same in correspond- * 
ing positioiUn the Sonth or House Extensions of the Capitol, 
lead to the attic story and galleries, and are among the most 
beautiful features of the Capitol. A full description of each, 
with their paintings and statuary, will be described in their 
proper places. The door immediately beyond the Franklia 



8 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 



statue leads into the Senate vestibule, in the main entrance 
of which are the 

29. Crawford Bronze Door, consisting of a simple post 

and lintel. The frame over 




VI 



IV 








II 



in 



the door is supported by enrich- 
ed brackets. The ornamenta- 
tion consists of scroll-work and 
acanthus, with the cotton-boll, 
maize, p:rapes, and entwining 
vines. Tiie upper panel of each 
valve contains a star, surround- 
ed by a ^vreath of oak leaves, and 
acts as a ventilator. In the foot 
panel of each leaf are figures, 
typical of Peace and War. The 
door is 14^- ft. high and 9 J ft. 
wide, with two leaves^ weighs 
14,000 lbs., and was cast "by 
James T. Ames, at Chicopee, 
Mass. The total cost w^as $6,- 
000 for model and $50,495 for 
casting. It was put up in 1868. 
The remainder of tlie door 
is divided into 6 panels, in 
which, in alio relievo^ are rep- 
resented events connected with 
SENATE imoNZE DOOR. tlic revolutioDurj^ struggle, the 

establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the 
Capitol. The panels containing liistorical subjects, in chro-^ 
nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the 
door, as follows : 

I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. 

II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke*)f General Lee, who meditated 
betraying the American Army. 

III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt.. 

IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New Yor^ 
to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- 
traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor o^ 
the Main Door. 

v. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New 
York, April 30, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including 
John Adams, Vice President, on his right; Chancellor Livingstone administers the 
oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished 
personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair, Roger 
Sherman, and Baron Steuben. - ^ i 

VJ. Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing;- 
ton, September 18, 1793. The prominent figures are likenesses. 

The orao' to Mr. Crawford contemplated t'»vo doors, one for the E. Portico 
of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no further than to complete the 
drawing of his designs and the work of his models in clay, when he was oyer- 




PRINCIPAti STOUY. Ol/ 

taken by death. Tl.e work, hv>wever, was completed t>y \V. H. Rhmchart, of 
Maryland, an assistant in the studio of the sculptor at Rome Ihe models 
were shipped to the United States in i86j. Th«y were somewhat damaged in 
removal, but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts under whose 
superintendence they were cast. The mechanical execution of this work is 
considered in every respect equal to the great Door, and establishes the skill 
of American bronze founders in competition with those of Europe. 

Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive 
brackets, are two reclining female figures, in American mar- 
ble by Crawford, representing Justice and History. Both 
recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume 
bearing- the words "Justice, Law, and Order," and has a 
pair of scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, 
inscribed " History, July, 1776." On either side of the 
door, in the beautiful marble wall, is a niche, ready to re- 
jceive appropriate statues. 

30. Senate Vestibule. — This door opens into a vestibule con 
sistiiig of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capi- 
tals of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The columns are disposed 
in couples, and equally divided on eitlicr side with correspond- 
ino- pilasters. Tlie ceiling is composed of massive blocks of 
hig'hly-polished marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of 
which are provided witli stained glass for the admission of 
light. Tiie walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, 
and arc broken at suitable intervals into niches, witli bases of 
Tennessee marble. The floor is tesselated in white and blue 
marble. At the opposite end of this vestibule is a smaller 
one. leading to the floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors 
are of bird's-eye maple, with bronze enrichments, and set 
in bronze frames. 

31. Official Eeporters' Eoom, used by the reporters of the 
debates and proceedings of the Senate. The ceiling is fres- 
coed in the Pompeian style of decoration. 

32. Senate Post Office. — This beautiful apartment is ele- 
gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences for the recep- 
tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was 
originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was 
decorated with that view. The vaulted ceiling is cmbellisiied 
w^ith fi-escoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing 
Histoiy, G-eographj', Physics, and the Telegraph. Tliroe 
allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from whiclr 
drops a chaiideli;'r. Tlie walls are finished in oil and gilt.. 

33. Sergeant-at- Aims' Eoom. — On the w^ahs are four alle- 
gorical designs in basso relievo: that on the E. representing 



tj() CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

Dissolution or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the 
fasces or bundle of rods, while on the one side lies cotton, 
and on the other corn, the rival products of the opposing 
sections of the country. On the S. is the same figure as War, 
with the engines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods 
are again united, with the motto E Plurihus Unum and an 
eagle. On the 'N. the implements of war are being destroyed 
and exchanged for those of peace. 

34r Senate Reception Eoom.— The vestibule opens into the 
Senate Reception Boom^ a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, 
witli a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on the N. 
being groined, and is divided into four sections^ in which are 
allegorical figures in fresco: N., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., 
War ; E., Peace. The S. lialf of the ceiling consists of a cir- 
cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric 
circles. The fresco in the centre represents youthful figures 
in a vignette of clouds. Outside the circle are allegorical fig- 
ures in fresco : NE., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- 
ance ; NW., Strength. All these frescoes were executed by 
Brumidi, in 1856, The ceiling is heavily gilded throughout, 
and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. The walls are 
finished in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. Tliey are 
divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits 
of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by 
wreaths, and is surmounted by an eagle. The base of the 
walls is scagiiola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee 
marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed 
centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in 
consultation with Jefterson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- 
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On eitlier side is a medal- 
lion yet unfilled. In the N. w^all of this magnificent apart- 
• ment, between the windows, is a mirror. The floor is of 
encaustic tiles, finely laid, and with a beautifully-wrought 
star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, 
with damask and lace curtains. In winter tlTe floor js richly 
carpeted. The mantel is a beautiful specimen of workman- 
ship. 

35i Bronze Staircases, formed of entwining vines and foliage, 
relieved with eagles, deer, and cupids. A similar staircase 
occupies a corresponding place on the W. side of the lobby. 
These, including two connecting with the lobby of the Hall 
of Representatives in the S. Extension, cost nearly $22,500. 
Thej'^ are elaborate and artistic specimens of bronze work^ 
and in a part of the building too dark to enable their merits 
to be fully appreciated. They werf manufactured bj'^ Archer, 
Warner & Miskey, of Philadelpliia Baudin, artist, 1858-'59. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 01 

36; Vice President's Koom.— The door on the r. within the 
Lobby opens into the room of the President of the Senate^ 
generally known as the Vice PresidenVs Room. It is a well- 
furnished apartment, with plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted 
walls. In this room is the original of Rembrandt Peale^s 
painting of Washington., from life, purchased by the Senate 
in 1832 for $2,000. Permission to enter may be obtained 
from the President of tUe Senate. When not in use, visitors 
may be admitted through the courtesy of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms or one of the door-keepers. 

37. Senate Lobby. — During the sessions of the Senate ad- 
missions to the Senate Lobby can only be obtained through a 
Senator. This, however, is not in strict accordance with the 
rules of the body. When the Senate is not in session, the 
Lobby is open to the public. The Lobby is a vaulted pas- 
sage, with gilt panels and cornice. A chandelier makes up 
the deficiency of daylight. On the 1. are two doors, leading 
to the floor of the Senate Chamber. 

38 The Senate Chamber.— This unquestionably magnificent 
apartment occupies the centre of the principal floor of the N. 
Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors 
on tlie E., S., and W., and two from the lobby on the IST. The 
occupation of this Chamber, devoted to the deliberations of 
the highest branch of the legislative arm of the Government^ 
took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- 
gram of the following dimensions : Length, 113^^ ft. ; width, 
80| ft. ; height, 36 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9,136 sq. ft. ; 
cubic contents, 328,536 cub. ft. The dimensions of the floor 
of the Chamber, exclusive of the cloak rooms and lobby, are 
83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On the E., W., aiid S. sides of 
the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the X. 
the Senate lobby. Over these and around the Chamber are 
the galleries., tlie seats rising and receding in tiers, till 
brought to a level with the corridors of the second floor, 
which are reached by two marble staircases. The portion 
of the N. Gallery over the back of the chair of the President 
of the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press., local and 
general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for 
as many more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. 
Gallery, a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic 
representatives. ' The galleries, from the reportei-s' to the 
diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies, 
and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion for the exclu- 
sive use ©f the families of Senators. The corresponding 
galleries on the W. are for gentlemen. The galleries wiu 



9J CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

vveilseat 1,200 persons. For plan of galleries^ see Attic Story^ 
15-Jl. " ; 

On ti\Q Jloor of the Chamber are seats for 76 Senators. The 
aisles diverge from the President's "desk" like radii, from a 
centre. The desks are arrans^ed in concentric semi-circles 
facing the N"., with an iron railing investing the whole. The 
desks are made of the finest quality of mahogany, and the 
majority were in use in the old Senate Chamber. These 
were made a half century ago. . 

The President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 
At liis back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desk, upon 
^^•l)ieh lies the gaA'cl when the body is in session. Immedi- 
ately l)elow, on eitlier side, are tlie seats of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- 
mencing on tlie 1., are tiie seats of the Secretary of the Senate, 
Legislative Clerk, Cliief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order 
given. The two seats on tiie floor in front and at either end 
are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, 
in keeping Avith the rest of the furniture of the Hall. 

Tha floor is raised about 3 in. for each receding semi-circle 
of desks, and is pierced by numerous double ventilators^ TQ,g- 
ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- 
tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the 
floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement 
with moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 
8° to 10=^ below the outside air in summer, and regulated by 
thermometers and hygrometers in different parts of the 
chamber; these are examined at regular and brief intervals 
by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- 
inated air passes through the trellis woi'k of the outer range 
of panels in the ceiling and tln-ough spaces provI<led in the 
centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below 
to tliose above is constantly passing through the Chamber. 
(S(>e Ventilating Department.) . ' 

Tlie ce^/iw// is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It 
consists of immense cast-iron gu'ders and transverse pieces, 
foriuing deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a 
centre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Army, and N'avy, 
Pro';Tess, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, 
there is an outer row of 24 panels, witli trellised centre for 
ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and . 
circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a 
heavy iron cornice. The irOn work thi-oughont is bronzed, 
with' gilt decorations. The walls are rieldy painted, those 
supporting the galleries being laid off in panels. The walls 
back of the galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The . 
doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 93 

ated brojize ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk 
in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. 

The liall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by 
means of the skylight in the i-oof. At night innumerable 
jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and 
supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, dilluse a soft 
light throughout the Cliamber. 

The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber when 
the Senate is not in session. The regular hour of meeting 
of the Senate during the session is 12 noon every day ex- 
cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and 
night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- 
sion the following persons only are by law entitled to the 
privileges of the floor of the Senate : Officers of the Senate ; 
Members of the House of Representatives and their clerks; 
President of the U. S. and private secretary ; heads of de- 
partments; Mnisters of the U. S. and Foreign Ministers; 
ex-Presidents and ex-Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- 
ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S. ; Governors of States and Territories ; General of 
the Army; Admiral of the Navy; Members of National 
Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- 
ators, appointed in writing ; and Librarian of Congress. 

39t Cloak Kooms. — ^Beneath the E., W., and S. galleries 
are cloak rooms for the exclusive use of Senators. 

40. Marble Eoom. — From the lobl)y })ass through a small 
passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retiring Eoom. 
This elegant apartment is 38 ft. long, 21^ ft. wide, and 19 J ft. 
high. Tlie ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian 
marble, and consists of massive polished blocks of white mar- 
ble, forming deep panels. Tlie w^alls throughout are of highly- 
polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are 
large plate-glass mirrors. Those at the ends produce a striking 
effect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Two of these 
contain heads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors 
are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, 
and, without question, is the finest apartment of the kind in 
the world. In the E. vestibule is a small bronze bust of 
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 1861-1865, 
presented by Albert De Groot, of Nqw York. 



94 PRINCIPAL STORY. 

41. President's Koom.— Leaving the lobby by the -W. door, 
on the r. is the Presidents Room^ assigned to the use of the 
President of the United States on his visits to the Capitol. 
This room is rarely used except on the last days of the session 
of Congress, wlien the President,^ with his secretaries and 
Cabinet ministers, assemble there to expedite the business of 
legislation, the President signing such bills passed by the 
Sena'c and House of Representatives as meet his approval. 

Tht' wall? and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- 
ately Oecorated. On the S. wall, under the arch of the ceil- 
ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt 
Peale's— with a reclining female figure on either side : that on 
the r. representing Victory, who holds a shield, bearing the 
mscriptii^n, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 
Yorktowix. The figure on the 1. Peace, with a laurel wreath. 
On the foui walls are fnedallion portraits of Washington's 
first Cabinet: S., Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State; E., 
Henry Knox, Secretary of War, and Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary cf the Treasury ; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorilfey 
General, aad S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the 
cornice are a nunberof small copper-colored medallions, rep- 
resenting trie coats of arms of the States. The rest of the 
walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are 
four corner-pieces in fresco : the first of Columbus, with a 
globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- 
covery; lilieness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- 
site, Americas Vespuccius, with charts and telescope. Explo- 
ration, from a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with 
an open Bible, representing Religion ; and diagonally opposite, 
Benjamin Franklin, with manuscript and printing-press, or 
History. Four medallion pieces between these represent 
Religion, Liberty, Legislation, and Executive. The medal- 
lion from which the chandelier is suspended is enriched with 
three mf ant figures, supporting an American flag. The ceilings 
are further embellished. The entire decoration is by Brumidi. 
The room is the most richly decorated in the United States. 
The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three large mir- 
rors in the walls. In winter the room is richly carpeted and 
furnished. 

42. Senate Oommittee on Enrolled Bills 

43. Closets. 

44. Senate Oommittee on Appropriations. — Tinted walls. 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. <>5 

45. Elevator. — At the end of the corridor from the lol-by 
is a screw elevator^ beautifully designed and luxuriously fur- 
nished, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement 
to the corridors of the attic story, and is fitted up with a 
double engine : cost $10,000. 

46 to 50. Offices of the Senate. — i6. Engrossing and en- 
rolling clerl\:s. 47. Chief clerlv. 48. Executive clerk. 49. 
Secretary of the Senate. 50. Financial clerk. 

51. Western Grand Staircase.— Constructed of vvhite marble. 
The design Is the same as the E. one, already described, and 
leads directly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. 
The view of this staircase, looking upwards from the first 
landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely 
beautiful. The highly-polished white-marble blockings, en- 
tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, witli their exquis- 
itely-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike the eye 
with tlic magnificence of its architectural design and execu- 
tion. The light thrown in from above adds to the charm of 
the scene which greets the vision. The sombre hue of the 
Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- 
senting a richer appearance, does not ettectively bring out 
the beauties of workmanship bestowed upon these striking 
features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. 

Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main 
floor, is the statue of John Hancock^ President of the Conti- 
nental Congress which signed and promulgated the Declara- 
tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic; exe- 
cuted in 1860, in marble, by Horatio Stone ; cost $o,500» 

At the head of the fii'st flight of steps against the W. wall 
is the Storming of ChapuUepec^ by Walker, N. Y. Ordered 
in 1860, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended 
for the room of the Committee on Mlitary Afiairs. It rep- 
resents the storming of the castle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 
1847, by the American army, under Gen. Scott. The castle, 
one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, crowned an emi- 
nence 900 ft. high, and was taken by means of scaling-lad- 
ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- 
tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the 
advance division. The batteries at the foot of the hill were 
taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. 
The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles. 
Gen. Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. 
Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand 
are Lieuts. Wilcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. 
stands a section of Drum's batterv. In the rear, advancino" 



96 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 



to thesupport of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, New York, and South 
Carolina volunteers, bearing their State colors, and commanded by Geary, 
Baxter, and Gladden. Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is killed. Gen. 
Persifor F. Smith, with the rifles, confronts the enemy's breastworks, and 
points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing by the aqueduct. 

CENTRAL BUILDING— SOUTH WING. 

52. South Door of Rotunda, leading to the National Statuary Hallz.'oA 
Ifouse of Representatives. 

53. Vestibule, crowned by a dome and cupola, and modeled from a Greek 
temple. The capitals of the columns are ornamented with the leaf of the cot- 
ton plant, instead of tHe-acanthus. The flower of the cotton plant also enriches 
the centre of the caissons. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. 
The door on the 1. leads to the basement staircase, (19,) very beautiful in 
design. 

54 and 55. Document Room, House of Representatives. — These are for 
the supply of bills and documents for the current use of members of the House. 

56. Stationery Room of the House of Representatives. 

57. House Committee on Banking and Currency. — When representa- 
tives occupied the old Hall, now the Hall of Statuary, this room was set apart 
for the use of the Speaker. It was to this room that John Quincy Adams was 
conveyed after he fell at his seat in the House, February 23, 184S, and it was 
here that he died, two days after, A marble console on the west wall supports 
an excellent bust of Adams, by J. C. King, 1845, % , placed here in com- 
tnemoration of this sad event. 






Houdok'i WamuiWTOH— Historical Clock — David's Jefferson. 

Ob. ^National Statuary Hall. — I'his ma,o:iiiticent Hall, for- 
merly used as the place of meeting of the House of Kepre- 
seiitatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and 
adapted, by Latrobe, after thcVemains of the Theatre at Ath- 
ens. It consists of a semi-circle of 96 ft. chord. The ends 
of the prostyle and peristjde are separated by a wide project- 
hig surface of freestone, which rises to the top of. the order 
and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the 
segment of the vaulted ceiling that crowns^the hall and ends 
against it. To the top pf the entablature blocldng is 35 ft., 
and to the apex of the domed ceiling 57 ft. The semi-peri- 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 97 

style or circular colonnade on the IS", is composed of 14 col- 
umns and 2 antae, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid 
blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the 
banks of the Potomac, above the city. The bases are free- 
stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, 
and designed after those in the Temple of Jupiter Stator at 
Rome — Hadtield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- 
mos at Athens. The entablature is of the proportions used 
in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- 
lons, enriched with leaves and roses. The floor is of marble. 
A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome 
is pierced by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- 
ing the double purpose of light and ventilation. The dome 
is similar to that of the Pantheon at Rome. On the S. side 
of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 columns and 2 antae of 
the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this 
colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking 
of the cornice beneath is a figure of Liberty^ in plaster, by 
Cancici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble. 
The figure, seen from tlie gallaries in front, produces a strik- 
ing eficct, and is in every respect worthy of the pupil of the 
gi\}at Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around 
whicii a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, 
and at the fee. of the figm'e is an American eagle. In the 
frieze of the entablature, under tins figure, is sculptured an 
fiagle in stone, vith outspread wings, the work of Valaperti, 
and of very sup vAov merit. The gallerj'' over the loggia was 
set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- 
modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. 
Over the N". doo '• stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- 
fully executed d ich in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1830. His- 
tor}', her drapery floating in the air, is represented as standing 
in the v^inged car of Time and recording passing events. The 
car is placed on a globe, on which, in hasso relievo^ are cut 
the signs of the zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of 
the wheel of the car. 

In July, 1864, a paragraph in an appropriation bill 5>assed 
by Congress authorized the President of the United States 
to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble 
or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of 
deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and illustri- 
ous for th^r historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- 
tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national 
commemoration, when so furnished to be placed in the old 
Hall of the House of Representatives, in the Capitol of the 
United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary 
Hall. 



98 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 



It is to be regi'etted that so many years have already been 
permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur 
of this projected National Gallery. 

The State contributions in the order received are — 



Rhode Island.— 1871. Nathaniel Greene, marble, life-size, H. K. Brown, 
1869, attired in full regimentals of a Major-General in the Continental army, re- 
presented as pledging the service of his sword to his country. 

Roger Willia^ns, the founder of Rhode Island, and promoter of civil and re- 
ligious liberty in America; marble, life-size, Franklin Simmons, 1870, robed in 
the dress of the early colonist. Th.e pedestals are of Rhode Island red granite, 

Connecticut. — 1872. yonathan Trumbull, an eminent patriot of the Rev- 
olution, and from whom the term "Brother Jonathan" originated on account 
of his skill in expedients to meet the necessities of the Continental Govern- 
ment. Marble, heroic, C. B. Ives, 1869. 

Roger Lherman^ one of the committee to draft the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Marble, heroic, C. B. Ives, 1870; represented in Continental civil attire 
'Y\vtt peUestals are of Vermont maible. 

New York. — 1873 George Clinton, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, General of the Revolution Governor ot New York and Vice President o*' 
the United States. Bronze, life-size, H K. Brown, 1873. Robert Wood ' & 
Co., Phila., fcjunders ; represented in Continental military dress. 

Robert R. Livingston. First Chancellor of New York, who administered the 
oath of office to George Washington upon his inauguration as President of the 
United States, March, 1789. Bronze, life-size, E. D. Palmer, 1874. Barbe- 
dienne, Paris, founders, represented in the chancellor's robes, and holding by his 
side the treaty fur the cession of Louisiana by France to the United States, 
which he,successfully consummated. I'he robe and lace work is artistic. 

Massachusetts. — 1876. John Winthrop, first Governor of Massachusetts, 
landing with the charter of 1630. Marble, semi-heroic, Richard S. Greenough, 
1875, represented in the costume of the limes. 

Sa»iuel Adams, an early advocate of liberty. Marble, semi-heroic, Anne 
Whitney, 1876, represented in colonial dress and protesting to the Royal Gov- 
ernor against the presence of British troops, using the memorable words : 
" Night is approaching, an immediate answer is expected, both regiments or 
none.'* ^arch 6, 1770. 

Vermont. — 1876 Ethan Allen- Marble, heroic, L C.Mead, 1875, represented 
in the uniform of a Continental officer, with drawn sword and flashing eye, de- 
manding the surrender of Ticonderoga in the name of" the Great Jehovah and 
the Continental Congress." 

In addition to these State contributions the Hall contains a plaster copy of 
the statue of George Washington, at Richmond, life-size., by Houdon, 1788 re- 
presenting the father of his country in civic attire, with a staff in his hand,hjs 
cloak and sword resting on a bundle of lictors' rods, and with a rude plow in 
the rear; the superb semi-heroic statues of Alexander Hamilton, marble, by 
Horatio Stone, 1868, ^ic, 000; the first Secretary of the Treasury. General 
E D. Baker, killed in the rebellion. Marble, by Horatio Scone, 1875, $10,000 ; 
representing him as a Senator of the United States ; and Thomas jfefferson, 
bronze, by the celebrated French sculptor, P. T. David D Angers, i833,Fondu 
a Paris, par Honore Conon et ses deux Fils ; representing the author of the 
Declaration as just having signed that instrument of American liberty; the 
statue was prtsented by Uriah Phillips Levy, of theU. S. N., 1833, but was 
not accepted until 1874. "W^q pedestal is a superb piece of work, in four vari- 
eties of marble, executed by Struthers, of Philadelphia. The other works are 
a statue of Abraham Zz'i^cc/«, marble, Vinnie Ream, 1866, $i''5?'5oo ; busts 
of Abraham /,?«£•(?/??, marble, Mrs. Sarati Fisher Ames, 1868, ^2,000; T. 
Kosciuszko, marble, H. D. Saunders, 1857, ^50° i ^'^^ Thomas Crawford, 
sculptc". by h'T^self, 



UAPITOL INTERIOR 



\)\) 



Of the few pamtings area Washingion, by Gilbert Stuart, 1796, painted from 
life for the Chesttnut family of South Carolina, purchased 1875, $1,200; and two 
portraits of Benjamin West, of Pennsylvania, President of the Royal Academy 

of Fine Arts, London, painted by himself, 1810,$ ; Gunning Bedford, z. 

signer of the Declaration of Independence, presented ; Charles Carroll, of 

CarroUton, by Chester Harding, 18 — , $ ; and Joshua Giddings, Miss 

Ransom, 18 — ; a mosaic oi Abraham Lincoln^ by Salviati, of Venice, a inan< 
ufacturer. 

At times works of urt are placed hi this hail on exliibitioii 
This is, however, without the authority of Congress. 

It is proposed also to fit up this Hall with upper and lower 
galleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied 
by portraits of Speakers of the House of Representatives. 

When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's 
chair stood on the S. side, upon an open rostrum about four 
feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Rich 
crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from the capitals of the 
columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- 
peries as a background to the chair and rostrum. Below and 
Ln front of the Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, 
raised on a variegated spcle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- 
any table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was 
reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were 
sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. 

The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, were 
arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from 
the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the 
rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with 
curtains, constituting the bar of the House. Outside of tliis 
was the lobby. The panels on either side of the ladies' gal- 
lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- 
derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, a present from the 
distinguished Frenchman upon his last visit to the United 
States. These are now in the House of Representatives. 
Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, 
in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was 
lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the 
dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. 
During the first days of the Rebellion, 1861-'65, troops were 
quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick 
and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, by act of Congress, 
was set apart for its present appropriate purpose. 

59. Corridor, connecting th3 S. wing of the centre or old 



100 I'RINCIPAL STOUY. 

building with tiie S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. /Phis is the same as 3Sro. 22. Opposite is 
the mam door to the floor of the House of Eepresentatives. 

SOUTH, OR HOUSE EXTENSION. 

This portion of the building corresponds, in its general fea- 
tures, with the Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hall 
of Representativ.es causing simply a narrowing of the outer 
corridors. 

60. Northern Corridor, beautifully designed, especially the ceiling, which 
is diversified with lunettes and circular and groined arches. 

6i. Eastern Corridor, leading to the Eastern Grand Staircase and House 
Lobby. At the S. end of this corridor is the office of the Government telegraphy 
connected, by means of wires under the building, with the office and subterran- 
ean cable in the N. Extension, (See No. 23.) 

62. Western Corridor, leading to the Western Grand Staircase and the 
offices and Lobby of the House. 

63. House Committee on Military Affairs. — Here is a series of seventeen 
paintings, executea in iSjo-'ji, by Lieut-Co!. Seth Eastman, a retired officer 
of the U. S. A , representing some of the principal forts ot the United States, 
the Military Academy at West Point, and Fort Sumpter before and after the 
bombardment. A case oi breech-loading artus used in the army stands against 
the west wall. 

64. Eastern Grand Staircase, leading to &L&galleries. (For ^heir divi- 
sion, see Plan 0/ attic stoky, Nos. 50 to 55.) The staircase is of Tennessee 
marble, bronze capitals and white marble steps, and in every particular of de- 
sign, measurement, and execution similar to that m the same position in the 
Senate Extension. In the niche at the foot is the superb Statue of Jejj'eisony 
by Hiram Powers, 1863; cost ^io,ooo,'executed in Italy. Against the E. wall, 
over the first landing, is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay, John Neagle, 1843, 
^500. 

65. Main Door. — This very prominent entrance is still without the embel- 
lishments of art. Mr. Crawford, the designer of the bronze door of the N. 
Extension, at the same time received an order for one for the S. The death of 
the sculptor, who had already completed the designs, prevented the execution 
of work on the second door. The models, however, were completed by his 
pupil, Rhinehart, for which the latter received ^9,000, but have been since their 
completion stowed away in a dark vault, near the Undercroft. The door will 
represent scenes in the life of Washington. 

66. Vestibule. — This beautiful vestibule consists of 8 fluted columns in 
couples, two on either side. The capitals are enriched with leaves of acanthus, 
tobacco and corn. The ceilings are paneled, and the walls tinted and broken 
by 8 niches, wiih Tennessee marble bases. 

67. House Committee on Ways and Means. — A fine department, richly 
decorated in the renaissance style, diversified with American shields, foliage, 
birds and fruit. 

68. House Committee on Appropriations.— Room decorated and pan- 
eled in distemper and encaustic by Strieby, 1873. The fruit pieces and repre- 
sentation of moulding are particularly well executed. The door near by leads 
to a vestibule which opens into the House Lobby. The bronze staircase (35) 
is the same as those adjacent so the Senate Lobby, 

69. Reporters of Debates. — This "oom was originally used as the Mem- 
bers' Reception Room. The walls aie tinted, and the groined arches overhead 
are decorated in arabesque in fresco, > ,' ' ~ 

/o. Lobby of the House of Representatives. — The lobby, which may 
be entered in company with a member during the sessions of the House, has 
an iron-paneled ceiling highly enriched in oil, the decoration being that in 
vogue during the isth centurv. On the r. are doors opening into the Hall. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 

71 Haiioi" the Eepresentatives— or the "House of Rei>- 
resentatives, " occupies the centre of the main floor of the S. 
Extension of tlie Capitol. The dimensions of tliis superb 
legislative hall, the finest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; 
width, 93 ft. ; height, 36 ft. The measurement of tlie floor 
is 115 ft. by 67 ft. The form of the hall is a parallelogi-am, 
with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of 
seating about 2,500 persons. Beneath these galleries, against 
the ]^f., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. 
Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, i.< 
the lobby. 

Upon the Jioor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 memb'-rs 
and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing 
the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The 
latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front arfe desks 
for the clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the 
official reporters. These are made of vfhite marble, with a 
base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautiful. The clock 
marks the morning hour and limit of debate. E. of the 
Speaker is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which 
the mace or insignia of authority is placed when the House is 
in session. When not in use, this may be seen in the room of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE . end of the lobby. It con- 
sists of a bundle of lictor's rods, bound together by silver liga- 
tures, and surmounted by a silver terrestial globe, crowned by 
the American eagle. Against the wall on tlie same side is a 
full-length portrait of Washington, by Yanderlyn, 1834, and 
in the corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of 
the Marquis de Lafayette,by Ary Schefler,1822, tiie celebrated 
French artist. The latter was pi-esented to Congress by La- 
Zayette upon his last visit to the United States. In the W. 
panel of tlie S. wall, under the galler}'', is a fresco by Bru- 
midi, representing Washington at Yorktowii receiving the 
officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of hos- 
tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The 
fresco was necessarily finislied in great haste. The location 
is also unsuitable. Over the N". door is a clock, surmoimted 
by an eagle, and supported on eitlier side by flgiu-es of an In- 
dian and hunter. 

The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly 
enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated 
cornice. There are 45 panels, filled witli glass of appropriate 
design, 37 with stained centre pieces, representing the coats 
of arras of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, 
tiiat nearest the walls consisting of open work with massive 
pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of tlu? panels 
is beautifully Dainted and "'ilded. Between tlie ceiling and 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 

,4e roof of the building is the illumiuatiiii>- loft, wliicli also 
iceommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the 
ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. 
Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted 
by electricity, and which, during night sessions, shed a mel- 
low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall Is heated and 
ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. 

During a recess or adjournment of the House visitors can 
enter upon the floor. If the other doors should be found 
closed, one of those in the lobby Is general!}^ open. When 
the body Is In session, the rules allow the privileges of the 
floor to the following persons: Senators; their Secretary; 
Judges of the Supreme Court; Foreign Ministers; Judges of 
the Court of Claims; Governors of States; heads of depart- 
ments ; Secretary of the Senate ; President's xjrlvate secre- 
tary ; Senators and Representatives elect, and such persons 
as have b}^ name received the thanks of Congress, and ex- 
members not interested in any claims before Congress and 
who shall so register themselves. 

72. Hall Library, for the use of members in debate. 
73 and 74. Oloak Eooms. 

75. Key and Store-Koom. 

76. Sergeant-at-Arms. — In this room the Mace^ or insignia 
of authority of the House of Representatives, is kept when 
the House is not In session. 

77. Speaker's Eoom —This room is set apart for the use of 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It Is finished 
in iron. The pikisters, cornice, and celling are of Iron, en- 
riched with gilt. In the centre panel, overhead. Is a massive 
representation of a cluster of acorns. On the walls are en- 
gravings or photographs of the Speakers of the House of 
Representatives since the first organization of the bodj^ The 
mirrors, hangings of the curtains, and furniture are all In 
keeping. 

78. .Private Room of the Speaker of the House cf Representatives. 

79. Closets. 

80 to 83. Offices of the Eonse of Kepresentatives. — 80, 
Clerk of the House; 81, Chief Clerk; 82, Engrossing and 
finroiling Clerks; S3, File Room. 



ATTIO STORY. 

84. Western Grand Staircase.— This staircase is the 
same in material and construction as that on the E. At 
the foot is the head of Bee-she-kee, The Buffalo, a Chip- 
pewa warrior from the sources of the Mississippi, from na- 
ture by F. Vinceiiti, 1854 ; copied in bronze by Joseph Las- 
salle, 1858. Opposite, over the first landing, is Westward 
Ho, a chromo-silica, by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The 
best vieiv is from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. 

The painting represents an emigrant train crossing the Rocky Mountains. 
A guide to these wild regions leads the way. The faces of the travel -worn 
emigrants beam with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant 
camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in their wild sublim- 
ity. Above are the words " Westward the Course of Empire takes its way," 
and below is the " Golden Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. 
In the border on the N. is a portrait oi Daniel Boone^ and opposite is a portrait 
of CaJ>t. William Clarke. 

The view of the Golden Gate was painted as an act of friendship by Albert 
Bierstadt, he being more familiar with the subject than Mr. Leutze. 

85, 86. Committee on Naval Affairs. 

c. c. c. c. — Courts. 

The floors of both extensions are paved with encaustic tiles laid in beautiful 
patterns. 

ATTIC STORY. 
1 and 2. Store-rooms of the Library of the United States. 
CENTRAL BUILDING— NORTH WING. 

3. Steps to the Dome and Electrician's Rooms. — No. 11 on the prin- 
cipal floor leads to tlft Dome. {For ascent see No. ii , Principal Story.) The 
steps turning to the right leads to the rooms occupied by the Electrician of the 
Capitol, the first of which entered is the 

4. Electric-Battery Room. — This domical apartment rests on the dome of 
the Greek vestibule, and contains a number of cells of improved batteries suffi- 
cient to supply the electricity for ligJiiing the Capitol where this means is used. 
There is also a battery for the use of the official telegraph. 

5. Electrician's Office, reached across No. 4. Here will be found a num- 
ber of working models of electric-lighting apparattcs. The attendant in charge 
will make the necessary explanation. If desired, visitors will be afforded an 

.electric shock. The lighting of the various portions of the Capitol by this 
means was introduced in 1865, The gas is supplied from the city. For i?idi- 
c'ator, keys, and instruments for lighting the Dome, see 9 Principal Story. 

6. 7, and 8. Library of the Senate (reached from 21 Principal Story, ^/^« 
every day). This embraces a collection of official documents printed by order 
of either House of Congress, the journals, debates, and proceedings of each; 
statutes ; U. S. Supreme Court reports; law books ; special works of reference 
relating to legislation, and files of newspapers. The library occupies the adja- 
cent lofts, and in the aggregate comprises 25,000 vols. It is designed for the ex- 
clusive use of Senators. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

9, II, 12, and 13. Senate Document Room, reached from 16, Attic Story, 
contains files and extra copies of all bills, laws, reports, and other official docu- 
ments printed by order of Congress, or either branch, and for the current sup- 
ply of Senators. 

[10. Senate Committee on Civil Service.] 

14. Eastern Grand Staircase. — For Description see 28 Prin- 



ATTIC feTORY. 



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!giigi=il=]saE)SREi 



ATTIC STORY. i,,- 

cipal ^ionj. From the balustrade on this story the best 

vi w of fitn pnintino- of Perrifs Victory may be had. 

15. Ladies' Gallery. — See No. 38 Principal Story; also Diagratns. 

16. Southern Corridor, connects the Eastern and Western Corridors. 
It is beautifully designed, having three central groined and two outer circular 
arches, with elaborate foliation, shields, eagles, and other emblematic decora- 
tions in stucco. 

17. Reserved Gallery for faviihes 0/ Senators. See No. jS Principal 
Story : also Diag'?-a?i/s 

18. Reserved Gallery yor the Diplomatic Corps. See No 38 Principal 
Stoty ; ■a\&o Diagrams. _ _ 

19. Gentlemen's Galleries. — See No. 38 Principal Story: also j^iagra>'is. 

20. Press Reporters' Gallery, with desks for about 40, and seats for as 
many more representatives ot the press. 

21. Ladies' Gallery. — See No. 38 Principal Story ; zXso Diag7-ams. 

The Senate galleries will seat about 1,200 persons, and are entered by 12 
doors opening from the adjacent corridors. 

22. Ladies' Retiring Room, — A handsomely-furnished apartment, with 
mirrors and every convenience. A matron is i^t constant attendatice. 

23. Hall. — Overhead is a broad circular arch, pierced in the centre by a 
stained-glass skylight, and enriched with fruits, flowers, and grains in stucco. 
The walls are tinted, and in the pilasters are stucco enrichments of American 
shields, and emblematic representatives of mechanics, commerce, fisheries, 
and plenty. 

In this hall are the celebrated paintings of the Grand Canon of the Yellow- 
stone and Chasm of the Colorado, by Thomas Moran, of Pennsylvania, pur- 
chased immediately after execution, by Congress, respectively in 1872-4, for 
Sio.ooo each. The scene of the former lies in the Rocky Mountains, National 
Yellowstone Park, the headwaters of the Yellowstone river at the lower 
fall in the N. W, corner of Wyoming. The scene of the second is at a 
point on the Kai-Bab plateau in Arizona, about 60 m. S. of the Utah line. 
. 24. Ante-Room, — Exclusively for ladies, and opens into the Ladies' Gal- 
lery and Retiring-Room . The ceiling and walls are beautifully embellished 
in stucco. 

25. Senate Committee on Private Land Claims. 

26. Senate Committee on Claims. — Without decoration, 

27. Senate Committee on Revolutionary Claims. — No decsration. 

28. Eastern Corridor. — Leads to the Coinmittee Rooms., Ladies' Galleries 
and Retiring Roo7ns^ the E. Grand Staircase and the S. Corridor. 

29 and 30. Senate Committee on Printing. — No decoration. 

31. Western Corridor. — Leads to the Committee Rooms and Gentle' 
men's and Reporters' Galleries, the W. Grand Staircase, and S. Corridor. 

32. 'Western Grand Staircase. — See 31 Principal Story. From the bal- 
ustrade on this floor the best view of the painting of the Storining of Chapulte- 
pec may be had 

33 and 34. Senate C'^mmittee on Public Buildings and Grounds. 

35. To tne Illuminating Loft. 

36. Senate Committee on Transportation, — Entered through 37. 

37. Senate Committee on Pacific Railroads. — Tinted walls, and with- 
out decoration. 

38. Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. 

39. Elevator for use of Senators. (Sgh. Principal Story, 43.) 

40. Senate Committee on Commerce. — A fine apartment, without deco- 
ration. • 

41. Senate Committee on Mines and Mining. — A small room, without 
special attraction. 

42. Ante Room opening into No. 43 and Gentlemen''s Galleries. 

43. Press Reporters' Retiring Room, — A fine apartment, furnished for 
the use of members of the press entitled to the privileges of the gallery. There 
is also a branch telegraph office for the convenience of the press during the 
sessions of Congress. 



ATTIC STORY. 

MAIN BUILDING- SOUTH WING. 

44. Store Room for House Library. — Entered by the door in the gallery 
over the north door of the Statuary Hall. 

45. Store Room connected with the document room of the House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

46. Store Room of House Library. The room south is used for the same 
purpose. 

SOUTH OR " HOUSE " EXTENSION. 

47. Eastern Grand Staircase. — See 64 Principal Story. The adjacent 
corridor leads to the Northern Corridor , Galleries, and Ladies' Retiring 
Rooms. 

48. Northern Corridor. — The ceiling presents an interesting combination 
of circular flanked by groined arches and lunettes richly embellished with em- 
blematic figures and arabesques in stucco. 

49. .Library of the House of Representatives. — This is entered from 
the Northern Corridor. In this room are 15,000 volumes, though the entire 
library comprises 150,000 volumes, which embraces the floor library of the 
House of Representatives {^Principal Story, ^2) and the libraries of commit- 
tees. Owing to want of suitable accommodation, the galleries outside the 
peristyle of the Hall of Statuary and 44 and 46 Attic Story, are used for the 
storage of books. It is proposed, after the erection of a building for the accom- 
modation of the Library of the United States, to assign the magnificent suit of 
library halls {Principal Story , J" and 6) to the uses of the documentary libraries 
of the two Houses of Congress. 

50. Ladies' Galleries. — See No. 71 Principal Story; also Diagrams. 

51. Reserved Galleries hr families 0/ Members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. See No 71 Principal Story ; also Diagrams. 

52. Reserved Gallery for members of the Diplomatic Corps. See No. 77 
Principal Story ; also Diagravts. 

53. Press Reporters' Gallery, with desks and seats for about one hundred 
representatives of the press. * 

54. Reserved Gallery, exclusively for Ladies. 

55. Gentlemen's Gallery. — See No. yi Principal Story ; also Diagrams, 
The House Galleries will seat about 2,500 persons. 

56. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. — No special attractions. 

57. House Committee on the Judiciary. — The room is tmted and en- 
riched with stucco. 

58. House Committee on Commerce — Walls simply tinted. 

59. House Committee on Public Lands — No special attractions. 

60 and 61. Ladies' Retiring Rooms. — Neatly and comfortably furnished 
and possessing every convenience, A matron is in constant attejidance. 
These rooms are entered from the eastern corridor and gallery. 

62. Press Reporters' Retiring Room, (entered through 64 and 63 from 
the western corridor,) and for the use of those entitled to the privileges of the 
gallery. There are conveniences for writing dispatches. Adjoining is a small 
cloak-room. 

63. Press Telegraph Office {open during the sessions of Congress'). 
Twenty-four wires leave the building by means of three ten-wire cables, and 
beyond the Capitol Grounds, S., connect with the lines for all parts of the 
United States. There are also ten wires leading under the building to the 
Senate Offcce., and six wires to the connecting corridor, (59 Principal Story.) 
A switch enables the operators to form a connection with, the lines to any part 
of the United States. 

64. Ante-Room leading from the western corridor to tYi% Press Telegraph 
Off ce and Reporters^ Retiring Room. 

65. House Committee on Pacific Railroads and Revolutionary 
Claims. 

66. House Committee on Elections. —No attractions of special interest- 
67. — House Committee on Railways and Canals. — No special decora 

tion. 
68. — House Committee on the District of Columbia. 



BASEMENT STORY. lOT 

69 and 70. House Committees on the Militia and Mileage. 

71. Western Grand Staircase. — Sec 84, Principal Story. The adjacent 
corridor leads to the Northern ■ Corridor, the Galleries, Comtnittee Rooms, 
Press Telegraph OJ/lce, and Reporters' Retiring Room. 

C. C. c. C. — Courts, 

The floors of the attic story of the N. and S. extensions are laid with encaus- 
tic tiles of elegant design. 

BASEMENT STORY— SENATE EXTENSION. 

1. Western Stairway and Corridor.— The former as- 
cends to the principal story. The corridors of the Senate 
basement present an interesting exhibition of the decorative 
art. The imulted ceilings throughout are in distemper, and 
all below the spring of the arches in oil. The vxills and 
pilasters are in the style of the 15th century, as employed in 
the loggia of Raphael in the Vatican at Rome, with centre 
medallions of illustrious Americans, and introductions from 
the natural history of America. The ceilings are in the 
same style, with introductions of modern inventions and 
American landscape. The birds, animals, and reptiles are 
studies from the collection in the museum in theSmithsbn- 
ian Institution, drawn by Brumidi, and painted by Leslie. 
The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. The 
medallions and finer parts are b)'^ Brumidi, while the de- 
tails are by others. 

The profiles in medallions of the panels represent promitient personages 
in the struggle for independence. At the N. end are the 12 signs of the 
Zodiac ; also landscapes of Day and Night. Over the door of the room 
of the Com. on Mil. Affairs is a spirited fresco representing America ac- 
coutred for war, and surr unded by the implements of martial strife ; opposite 
the foot of the grand staircase, Las Casas, the early friend of the red man; 
over the door of the room of the Committee on Indian Affairs, Coliunbits land- 
ing and beliolding the beauty of an Indian maiden, typical of the lands he had 
discovered, and opposite is America seated with drawn sword, reading from 
the Constitution and the laws on the one hand, with Justice standing on the 
other, all by Brumidi. 

3. Senate Committee on Revision of the Laws. — Tinted. 

3. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. — This room was originally in- 
tended for the use of the Committee on Agriculture. In the pilasters and bands 
are fruit pieces. Under the arches are typical groups of agricultural products 
and implements. In the groined ceiling is a centre-piece of grapes and leaves 
well executed. The general decoration consists of arabesques and gilt. The 
4 border pieces represent seasons and showeri, flowers, grains, and fruits. The 
foliage is .specially well executed. The ceiling is distemper and the walls oil; 
e.Kecuted by Castens, a German. 

4. Senate Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — See Sub-basement 
Story. 

5. Senate Committee on the District pf Columbia. — Tinted. 

6. Senate Committee on Library. — The vaulted ceiling is adorned with 
fresco and gilt, and medallion pieces representing Sculpture, Astronomy, Ar- 
chitecture and Painting. The walls are laid out in a broad panel or border. 

7. Senate Committee on Military Affairs. — The ceilings are frescoed 
with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of war. On the walls and 
pilasters are representations of arms and armor of different periods, nations, 
and races, ancient and modern. The pilasters were painted by Leslie. The 
sword across the shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the siuord of Wash' 
ington. On the W. wall is a medallion head of Liberty, surrounded by flags 
and weapons of war. Under the arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, by 



108 



BASEMENT ^TORY. 



■'zn 
Ed 



55 




^l 



BASEMENT STORY. 10^ 

Brumidi ; N., Boston ALissacre, 1770. S., Battle 0/ Lexington, ■'^TIS- ^-t 
Death 0/ Wooster, during' tlie Brttisli invasion of Connecticut, 1777. S., 
Washington at Valley Fofge^ 1778. I'he three prominent figures in the fore- 
ground are Washington, with Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., 
Storming of Stony Point by Anthony IVayne, i779' Wayne, wounded, is be- 
ing carried into the fort. 

8. Senate Committee on Naval Affairs. — The general design of decora- 
tion is Fompeiatt, by Brumidi. 'I'he principal features of the ceilings are fresco- 
representations of marine gods and goddesses and an Indian female. Under 
the arches are representations of ancient porticoes with antique vessels. The. 
walls, painted in oil, are divided into nine panels, with blue background and 
figures representing attributes of tiie navy as centre-pieces. The pilasters are 
scagliola, by French artists. 

9. Elevator. — (See Principal Story, No. 4^.) 

10. The Senate Committee on the Judiciary. — The wall decoration con- 
sists of figured panels and the vaulted ceiling, elaborate arabesques, varied by- 
flower pieces and 4 medallions, each containing cherubs respectively bearing 
olive branches, fasces, quiver, and band with motto, E pluribus unum. 

11. Closets. 

12. Northern Corridor. — In the arch over the E. end are introductions of 
improved agricultural implements. In the demi-lunette over the door to the 
room of the Committee on Foreign Relations (No. 20) is a fresco representatioa 
of the signing of the provisional articles for treaty of peace between the United 
States and his Britannic Majesty, Nov. 30, 1782, from an unfinished picture by 
Benjamin West, a copy of which was left by Senator Sumner, of Massachusetts. 

i'iie fresco over the door of the room of the Committee on Territories (No. 13) 
represents the negotiation of the cession of Louisiana to the United States bj' 

P'rance. In the pilasters are subjects from the natural history of America, and 
ihj medallion centres of ihe paneling of the walls contain proliles of Revolu- 
i:-_nary heroes. At the W. end are some fine specimens of bird painting. 

13. Senate Committee on Territories. — Ceiling frescoed in arabesques, 
w;Uls richly paneled. 

14. Bronze Staircase. — {'^qq No, jj Principal Story.) 

15. Senate Stationery Room. — No decoration. 

i&. Senate Committee on Agriculture. — No decoration. 

17. Main Corridor. — Near the N. door is richly frescoed overhead, but is 
unfinished. At the base of the. spans are landscapes. In the medallions are 
profiles. The decoration of the ceilings of the broad corridor beyond is unfin- 
ished. In the pilasters are sketches of American landscape. The smaller 
halls beyond are enriched overhead with foliage, vines, and four American 
eagles, and representations of banneiK and implements of war. 

18. Senate Committee on Contingent Expenses. 

19. Superintendent Senate Folding Room. 

23. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. — On the ceiling, in dis- 
temper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the arches, in oil, four medal- 
lions, containing profiles of chairmen of the committee : Clay N., Allen S., 
Cameron E., Sumner W. The walls are artistically paneled. The medallions 
are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by Castens. 

21. Hall. — The decoration is varied with emblematic figures. The female 
figures denote peace and plenty. In the S. arch, overhead, are four pieces, re- 
presenting navigation, geography, the industrial arts, and science. In the N. 
band are mechanics and the agricultural products of the northern States, and 
S. band commerce and the products of the southern States. Over the door of 
the room of the Committee on Patents is a fine fresco of Robert Fulton of 
Pennsylvania, one of the first (1807) to apply steam to the purposes of naviga- 
tion. The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and now in 
the office of the Commissioner of Patents. Over the door of the room of the 
Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads is a fresco of Benjamin Franklin, 
the first Post Master General during the revolutionary days, and opposite is 
John Fitch, one of the earliest inventors of (1798) steam as applied to naviga- 
tion. 

'22. Senate Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads.— Ceilings 
frescoed in arabesque — walls tinted. 



110 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

23. Senate Committee on Patents. — Simply tinted, 

24. Eastern Entrance and Vestibule. — The doors open from an arcaded 
walk and vaulted carriageway beneath the Senate portico into a vestibule, in 
•which are eight marble piers, four on each side, with sixteen corresponding 
marble pilasteis. J hese piers and pilasters support the colonnade of the main 
vestibule above, and affurd., perhaps the most striking example of the durabil- 
ity and strength of the edifice. The arches are tinted and enriched with 
stucco. The walls are scagliola. 

25. Senate Committee on Pensions. — The ceiling is decorated in ara- 
besques in fresco, witn four border medallions of flowers and fruits. Under the 
£. and W. arches are symbolic representations of the Constitution and Liberty, 
and N. and S. fruit pieces. 

26. Eastern Stairway and Corridor, 

27. Passage and Steps to Senate Folding Room, — (See No. 6,) 

28. Senate Committee on Public Lands. — Frescoed overhead with 
border and American shields and arabesques. The walls are paneled, with 
bases in scnglioln. 

29. Senate Committee on Education and Labor, reached through No. 
28, is a small but chastely decorated apartment. 

30. 31. Senate Refectory. — Open to the public. 

32. Inner Corridor. — In the bands of the arches are eagles clutching fasces 
and olive branches. The walls are paneled In the pilasters are American 
shields and sketches from American natural history. The rooms on either side, 
except the Refectory, are used for storage. 

33. Senate Committee on Manufactures. 

34. Senate Committee on Rules, — No decoration. 

35. Connecting Corridor. — Ceiling distempered and gilt. 

MAIN BUILDTNG-*NORTH WING. 

36. Corridor, from the Senate Extension to the Crypt. 

37> 38, 39. Conference Room of the Supreme Court of the United 
States, — },-].i Ante-Room : 38, Conference Roo>n ; 39, Conference Room Li- 
irary. *. 

40, Senate Baths, for the use of Senators. — Fitted up with marble baths 
and every convenience. There is also a water-cure apparatus and barber shop. 
41. Vestibule. — The arched substruction supports the Greek vestibule 
above. The door E, opens at foot of — 

42. Supreme Court Store Room and Files. 

43, Staircases to Principal Story. — There are two of these, one in each 
wing of the main building. The general afthitectural design of that on the S. is 
peculiarly attractive. The vestibule E. is ornamented with columns in imita- 
tion of cornstalks, suggested by Jefferson. 

44. Law Library, {open every day, except Sunday, same as 
Library of the United States, entered from No. 43.) — This apart- 
ment is semi-circular, with an arched recess towards the 
W., and a colonnade recess 011 the E,, back of which are the 
only windows. An arcade passage runs around the sweep 
of the circle, supporting a domical ceiling of masonry, rest- 
ing on heavy Doric columns, covering the entire room. The 
ceiling is groined upon the surrounding arches. In the tym- 
panum of the W. arch, in the recess, is a plaster relief, by 
Franzoni, representing a figure of Justice, and by her side 
Fame, crowned with a rising sun and pointing to the Consti- 
tution of the United States. The columns and piers of the 
arches of this room are heavy Doric. Some alterations were 

made in the original design of this room, owing to the fall of the vaulted ceiling, 
the result of defective construction This led to the introduction of the columns, 



BASEMENT STORY. Ill 

which have added greatly to the appearance of solidity, and have materially 
strengthened that part of the building. The alcoves for the books are arranged 
on the W. The room in the NE of the main hall is devoted to works on For- 
eign Law, Legislation. The inne^ room to Trials. The small room on the 
NW. is set apart for Foreign Law Commentaries. The room by the entrance 
door is used for storage. The Library is a branch of the Library of the United 
States and for the special use of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
See page 82 for Description and History of Library. 

CENTRAL BUILDING. 

45. Crypt.— A circular space, consisting of a treble colon- 
nade, containing 40 Doric columns of the proportions of 
those of the Temple of Psestum, surmounted by groined 
arches running in radii direction, and supporting the floor 
of the Rotunda. The star in the pavement under the cen- 
tral arch denotes the exact centre of the Capitol. The 
grating in the pavement of the Crypt on the E. side leads 
to the vaulted passages below. The weight of the iron 
alone in the Dome is 8,009.200 lbs. 

46. Headquarters Capitol Police. 

47. Guard-Room, or Prison, for the temporary imprisonment of persons 
arrested in the Capitol. 

48. Steps to the Sub-basement and Undercroft. 

49. Western Staircase, leading tg the Rotunda. 

50. Western Main Entrance of the Capitol — (See No. 49.) 

51 to 55. Court of Claims of the United States. -The court room is 
without special architectural or decorative features, and is simply fur- 
nished. The justices occupy a raised seat on the S. side of the room. The 
court was assigned its present apartments in 1859. It meets on Mondays, 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at 12 noon. Fridays and Saturdays 
are devoted to writing up opinions and conference. The general sessions begin 
on the first Monday in December, and last till the business ready for consdera- 
tion is finished. The adjournment generally takes place in May or June. The 
court also occupies 52, Clerks' Office; 53, Attorney- Gv7ie ral' s Room; 54, 
Porter; sSi ^i^Honery ; ^t , Book Room ; ^9, Court of Claims' Cfiambers. 

History of the Court of Clairns.— The Court of Claims of the United 
States was established in 1855 to hear and determine all claims founded upon 
any law of Congress, or upon any regulation of an executive department, or 
upon any contract, express or implied, with the Government of the United 
States ; and also all claims which may be referred to the court by either house 
of Congress. The court now consists of a chief justice and four associates. 

56. Room of the Territorial Delegates. 

58. House Committee on Education and Labor. — The last room on 
this corridor, same side, has been used for the confinement of contumacious 
witnesses before Congress. 

60. House Committee on the Revision of the Laws. 

61. House Committee on Mines and Mining. 

CENTRAL BUILDING— SOUTH WING. 

62. Vestibule. 

63. Corridor. — A continuation of the main corridor. 

64 and 65. House Folding Rooms.— All the adjacent rooms in the S. wing 
are used for the storage of public documents. 
66 and 67. Offices Superintendent of House Folding Room, 

68. \yashington Branch Post Office, (entrance outside.)— Congressional 
matter is here received and mailed to destination. 

69. Connecting Corridor. 



112 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

SOUTH OR HOUSE EXTExXSlON. 

70. Main Corridor to the S. Entrance.— It is 143 ft. long 
and 25 ft. wide, and consists of a fine colonnade of 14 fluted 
marble columns on each side, with capitals formed of acan- 
thus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls are scagliola, 
imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and the floor 
encaustic tiles. 

71. Refectory.— Open to the Public. 

72. House Committee on Indian Affairs.— No decora- 
tion. Here is a collection of oil paintings, illustrating life 
among the Sioux of Minnesota, painted in 1867-'69 by 
Lieut. Col. Seth Eastman, a retired officer of the U. S. A. 

73. Corridor. 

74. House Baths, for the use of members of the House. There are 8 baths, 
4 of which are marble, and fitted up with all the elegance and appliances of 
the modern bath. 

75. Eastern Stairway and Corridor. — No special decoration. 

76. House Committee on Printing.— Walls simply tinted. 
77- House Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads. 

78. Passage to steps to Sub-basement. (See No. 93.) On the same are the 
locksmith's shop and ice and store rooms. ^ 

79. Eastern Entrance and Vestibule. — The entrance opens from the ar- 
caded walk and vaulted carriage way beneath the eastern portico of the House 
Extension. The groined arches of the vestibule rest on 4 marble piers and cor- 
responding pilasters. The arches are decorated with stucco, and the walls are 
finished in scagliola. 

80. House Post OflB.ce, fitted up with bird's-eye maple 
cases, with boxes for each member and the officers of the 
House of Representatives. The room is without decora- 
tion. 

81. House Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. 

The decoration consists of paneled walls, with a balus- 
trade above the molding. The ceiling is embellished with 
arabesques, two American eagles and shields, and has an 
elliptical centre-piece formed of balusters, in fresco. 

82. Room of the Oflicial Reporters of Committees. 

83. House Committees on Coinage,Weiglits and Meas- 
ures, and the Library. 

84. House Committee on Territories.— Richly and ap- 
propriately decorated. Overhead, mingled with the feather- 
ing, are 4 pieces representing groups of Indians' weapons 
of war and the chase and implements of peace. In the 
spans of the arches is a running border, with introductions 
of fox and deer heads. Under the arches are medallions 
yet unfilled, but in which it is proposed to introduce the 
profiles of former chairmen of the committee. The gener- 
al decoration is varied with specimens of the smaller ani- 
mal life peculiar to the plains. Under the impost molding 
is a border of fruits and grains, with escutcheons bearing 
the names of the Territories of the United States in 1857. 



BASEMENT STORY. 113 

85. House Committee on Private Land Claims and Public Expen* 
ditures. — This room is without decoration. 

86. Doorkeepers' Room. — Plain walls. 

87. Newspaper and Index Room. — Here the newspaper subsciption- 
books for members are kept, each member being allowed $125 annually for 
newspapers and stationery. The index, for journals and all public documents 
are also made here in pursuance of an order of Congress. 

88. House Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

89. House Committee on Claims. — Walls tinted. 

90. House Committees on Agriculture and Manufac- 
tures.— Decorated by Brumidi in 1855, the first work of 
the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the exception of 
the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings are 
representations of the four seasons, symbolized in Flora, 
Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco 
representating Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dic- 
tator of Rome. On the opposite wall is a corresponding 
scene, representing Putnam called from the plow to join in 
the battles of the Revolution. 

91. Clerks' Document Room.— Through this ottice the various executive 
departments and foreign legations in the United btates are supplied with copies 
of documents printed by the two Houses of Congress. 

92. Western Stairway and Corridor. — No decoration. 

93. Steps to the Heating and Ventilating Apparatus, South Exten- 
sion.— (For description, see Sub-base7nent.') The iron grating at the end 
of the passage was originally designed for the ice used in the ventilation of the 
Hall of the Representatives' during the summer months. Improved means have 
obviated the use of ice. Over this grating are the coils of steam pipes, measur- 
ing II miles, and used for heating the Hall of Representatives in winter. 

94. House Committee on War Claims. — No decoration. 

95. House Committee on Accounts. — Walls simply tinted. 

96. Closets. 

o. — All rooms marked o indicate used for storage. 
c. c c, c. — Courts. 

SUB-BASEMENT STORY. 

Under the entire building is a massive substruction or seat of masonry, con- 
sisting of piers and arches, upon which rears the mighty superstructure of the 
Capitol. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

The sub-basement of the North or Senate Extension may be reached from 
Nos. 4 and 27, Plan of Basement Story. Thefortner is the proper way for 
■visitors. This will lead to the — 

Senate Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — Open to visitors. The 
machinery employed consists of 4 fans, 2 for air and 2 exhaust ; 4 boilers, 3 
engines, 2 steam-pumps, i for the 2 tanks in the loft over the Senate Chamber, 
and I for boilers ; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire Extension ; i vaporizer, 
2 descending shafts from the loft of the Senate Chamber, and i ascending shaft 
into the open air, the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air-iha/t 
enters from the glacis of the first terrace in the W. Park, 220 ft. from the 
building, the air being drawn in by a fan, and forced through a main air-duct 
into the air-space under the floor of the Senate, and thence into the Chamber by 
means of registers. The air supplied in winter is raised to a temperature of 
68° to 70°, and in summer from 8° to 10° below the outer atmosphere. The 
temperature supplied to the galleries is some degrees lower, in order to coun- 
teract the animal heat which ascends to that portion of the Hall. A branch 
air-duct communicates with the galleries. The supply of fresh air is 30,000, 
and exhaust 40,000 cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed 
by Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements by H. _F. 
Hayden, Chief Engineer U. S. Senate. The engineer in charge will explain 



114 CAPITUL INTERIOR. 

CENTRAL BUILDING. 

The sub-basement of the Central Building may be reached by the steps No. 
48, Plan 0/ Basement Story. There is also an entrance from the first terrace on 
the western front of the building, immediately below the main western entrance. 
The rooms on these Corridors are used for divers purposes, but of no special 
importance ; the rooms on the Southern Corridor, W. side, by the Engineer 
in Charge of the Public Buildings and Grounds. Here may be seen the 
orz£inai manuscript journals, letters, and other books and records of the com- 
missioners superintending the building of the city, 1791-1800, and the records 
of a later period, and valuable early maps of the city. An attache will be 
found in the office every day except Sundays and holidays. The Aey to the 
undercroft is kept here. Visitors desiring to see this portion of the building 
will be kindly shown there by the person mentioned. 

The door at the end of the passage leading east from this corridor opens into 
a court across which is the — 

Model Room. — This consists of a subterranean gallery, built of brick and 
heavily arched. It foims a complete circle, and constitutes a portion of the 
foundation of the Dome. Within this is a smaller gallery, and in the exact 
centre the Undercroft, which see. In these galleries are plaster models of cap- 
itals of columns, cornices, mouldings, tiles, and statuary employed in the embel- 
lishment of the exterior and interior of the Capitol. 

The Undercroft or Vault beneath the Crypt, originally designed for the 
sarcophagus containing the remains of Washington. The Undercroft, the nave 
and transept, measuring each 10 feet in length, and about 6 in width, is cruci- 
form. 

Upon learning of the death of Washington, Congress, Dec. 24, 1799, passed 
resolutions appropriate to the sad event, and provided that a marble monument 
should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at Washington. The 
President was authorized to request the wife of the departed patriot to permil 
his body to be deposited under it. In response to the letter of the President, 
Mrs. Washington thus transmitted her assent : 

" Taught by the great example I have so long had before me, never to oppose 
my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request of Congress, 
which you had the goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this I need not — 

1 cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public 
duty." 

The wish of Congress was not carried out, and a subsequent request of the 
same character, in connection with the National Monument, was declined. 

SOUTH OK HOUSE EXTENSION. 

The sub-basement of the South or House Extension may be reached from 
Nos. yS and gj. Flan 0/ Basement Story, The latter is the proper way for 
visitors. The steps from No. 93 lead directly to the — 

House Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — The theory of ventilation 
of the South Extension is the same as for the North, though not so elaborately 
carried out. One of the engineers will give any desired information. The 
machinery consists of 3 engines : No. i for the supply fan of the Hall of the 
Representatives ; No. 2 for the supply fan of the committee rooms and pas- 
sages ; and No. 3 for the exhaust fans ; 2 supply fans. 18 and 14 ft. in diameter; 

2 exhaust fans, 10 ft. in diameter ; 5 boilers ; 3 water tanks in the loft above the 
Hall of Representatives ; 2 steam-pumps, i for the supply of the boiler, and i 
for the supply of the tanks; and 30 miles of steam heating pipes. The air sup- 
plied in winter is raised to the same temperature applied to the heating and 
ventilation of the Senate. The supply of fresh air is about 40,000, and exhaust 
50,000 cubic feet a minute. 

While here the visitor can have an opportunity of examining the foundations 
of this part of the Capitol. The kitchens of the House Refectory are also here. 
The vaulted rooms are used for storage and fuel. 



HISTORY. 



115 



Architects of the Capitol, — 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of Penn., an 
amateur, designer of the Capitol ; 1793, Stephen Hallet, France; 1794, James 
Hoban, S. C; 1795, George Hadfield, England : 1796, James Hoban, S. C; 
1797, George Hadfield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md.; 1817, Charles 
^Ifinch, Mass.; 1851, Thomas U. Walter, Penn.; 1865, Edward Clark, Penn. 

History. — The site of the Capitol was chosen and approved by Washing- 
ton, in the original plans of the city, submitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the 
summer of 1791 was located. On this occasion Mr, Ellicott drew the meridian 
and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection of which the Capitol was to stand. 
This having been accomplished, in March, 1792, the commissioners advertised 
in the newspapers in the principal towns and cities of the United States, offer- 
ing a premium of ^500, or a medal, for a plan of a President's House and 
Capitol. In this matter Jefferson took an active interest. During his residence 
in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of celebrated public build- 
ings. These were now produced for examination. He suggested, in the present 
instance, that the style of architecture of the Capitol should be taken from 
some model of antiqu ty, and that the President's House should be modern 




THE CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN 184O. (EaStem FaCadc.) 

In response to the advertisements a number of plans were submitted, but in the 
selection of one for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. 

Apian by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of P^n., but materially altered and im- 
proved by. others, was approved by Washington and submitted to Stephen 
Hallet, a French architect, who was intrusted with its execution. On Sept. 
18, 1793, the corner-stone of the edifice, SE. corner, was laid by Brother 
George Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free Masons 
of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large number of people. The 
silver plate deposited in the cavity of the stone bote the following inscription ; 

" This south-east corner-stone of the Capitol of the United" States of America, 
in the City of Washington, was laid on the i8th day of September, 1793, in the 
thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the sec- 
ond term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil 
administration of his country have been as conspicouous and beneficial, as his 
military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and 
m the year of Masoniy 5703, by the President of the United States, in concert 
with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and 
Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, Virginia. 

"Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners ; 
Joseph Clarke, R. W. G. M. P. T.; James Hoban and Stephen Hallate, Ar- 
chitects ; Collin Williamson, M. Mason." 



116 



HISTORY. 



After ascending from the cavazion the Grand Master, P. T,, yoseph Clarke, 
delivered an oration during which, at intervals, volleys were fired by the 
artilLrry. The ceremony closed in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a 
national salute of 15 guns. 

The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. The gavel used 
was of ivory, and is still preserved as a treasured relic by Lodge No. 9 of 
Georgetown. 

After the dedicatory services the entire assemblage took part in a barbecue 
arranged for the occasion in the E. Park. 

The N. Wing was ready for 
occupation in 180c. In the com- 
pleted wing the Senate on the 
W. side, the House of Repre- 
sentatives on E., and the Su- 
preme Court in the basement, 
first held their sessions. lu 
1801 the House occupied a tem- 
porary structure called the 
"Oven," from its shape, erected 
on the site of the present S. Ex- 
tension. In 1805 it returned to 
its first apartment in the N. 
Wing. In 1803 R. H. Latrobe 
was appointed Architect of the 
Capitol. This gentleman made 
radical changes in the elevation . 
and ground plan of the build- 
ing, raising the fl()or from the 
ground story to the principal 
order over the case'^^ent. I'he 
S. Wing was in readiness for the 
occupation of Congress in i8ri. 
The central portions were still 
unfinished. An unsightly wood- 
en passage connected the two 
wings. During the war of 1812 
work on the building was sus- 
pended. In 1814 the interior of 
both wings was destroyed by 
the British, after which Con- 
gress, on Sept. 19, 1814, met 
temporarily in the structure 
known as Blodgett's Hotel, sit- 
uated on the E-st. front of the 
square now occupied by the 
General Post Office. The ses- 
sion of Congress commencing 
Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a 
building on the SE. corner of A 
and ist sts. NE., erected by the 
citizens of Washington for the 
purpose, and was occupied till 
the restoration of the S. Wing 
of the original Capitol in 1827. 
This structure v/as afterwards known as the "Old Capitol," and was used 
as n political prison during the Rebellion, 1861-65. 

lii 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening the most serious 
cu I) -sequences to the harmony of the Union, Congress determined to restore the 
Ciipitol. The work of restoration was commenced by Mr. Latrobe. Charles 
lUilfinch, of I!i>ston, his successor, commenced the central portions of the build- 
Hi!.; :iiciuding the Rotunda and Library, in 1818, which were completed in 1827. 




HISTORY. 



IIT 



In 1818 a temporary building was erected near the Capitol for the use of com- 
mittees of Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight modifications, 
were carried out, and the entire structure, with terraces and grounds, was com- 
pleted in 13 years, at a cost, including alterations, repairs, &c., and improve- 
ment of grounds, to 1851, when the Extensions were added, $2,690,459.21. In 
Sept., 1850, Congress passed an act authorizing the extension of the Capitol. 
Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard College, at Philadelphia, in June, 
1851, submitted a plan of extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, 
and Mr. Walter was designated 
to carrjMt into execution. The 
corner-stone of the S. extension 
was laid on July 4, 1851. The 
following is a copy of the record 
deposited beneath the corner- 
stone : 

" On the morning of the first 
day of the seventy -sixth j'ear of 
the Independence of the United 
States of America, in the City 
of Washington, being the 4th 
day of July, 1851, this stone, 
designated as the corner-stone 
of the Extension of the Capitol, 
according to a plan approved 
by the President, in pursuance 
by of an act of Congress, was laid 
Millard Fillmore, President 
of the United States, assisted 
by the Grand Master of the 
Masonic Lodges, in the presence 
of many members of Congress; 
of officers of the Executive and 
Judiciary departments, Nation- 
al, State and District ; of officers 
of the Army and Navy ; the 
corporate authorities of this and 
neighboring cities ; many asso- 
ciations, civil and military and 
Masonic; officers of the Smith- 
sonian Institution and National 
Institute ; professors of colleges 
and teachers of schools of the 
District of Columbia, with their 
students and pupils ; and a vast 
concourse of people from places 
near and remote, including a 
few surviving gentlemen who 
witnessed the laying of the 
corner-stone of the Capitol by 
President Washington, on the 
eighteenth day of September, 
seventeen hundred and ninety- 
three. 

"If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God that this structure shall 
fall from its base, that its foundation be upturned, and this deposit brought to 
the eye of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States 
of America stands firm ; that their Constitution still exists* unimpaired, and 
with all its original usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and 
stronger in the aftections of the great body of the American people, and .^tt^act 
ing more and more the admiration of the world. And all here assembled, 
whether belonging to public life or to private life, with hearts devoutly thanktul 




118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

to Almighty God for the preservation of the liberty and happiness of the coun 
try, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls and 
arches, the domes and towers, the columns and entablatures, now to be erected 
over it, may endure forever ! 

" God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, 

"Secretary of State of the United States." 

Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the ceremonies in an elo- 
quent address. 

In 1855 Congress authorized the removal of the Dome, and the construction 
of a new one of iron, according to the plans of Architect Walter. The first 
Dome was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, which consumed the interior of 
the Library of Congress, this Dome was in imminent danger. Tnough«it 
escaped destruction, the lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. 
In its place the erection of the present Dome of iron, finished in 1865, was 
undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was ornamented with panels 01 
caissons, and modeled after that of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was 
smaller' in size, the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, 
and I22j^ It to the skylight. 1 he Dome cf the Pantheon was 142 ft. in diam- ■ 
eter, which was about the same as the height, one-half being the height of the 
Dome and the circular opening for light 23 ft. in diameter. 1 he outer shell of 
the Dome of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in Rome. 
The circular aperture at the apex was also covered by a cupola, around which 
there was a balustrade, reached by a stairway between the inner and outer 
shells. The access, however, v/as inconvenient and dangerous. On one occa- 
sion a iady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking the glass, but was prevented 
from precipitation to the pavement of the Rotunda below by the strength of the 
frame. 

The work on the Capitol was continued through the war of the rebellion, 
i86i-'65. On December 12, 1B63, at noon, the statue of freedom which sur- 
mounts the Dome was placed in position. The flag of the United States was 
unfurled from its crest, and was greeted by the shouts o' thousands of citizens 
and soldiers. A national salute of thirty-five guns was fired by a field battery 
in the E. Park, and was responded to bj"^ the great guns of the chain of forts 
constituting the defenses of the threatened capital of the Nation. 

The new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the House of Represen- 
tatives December 16, 1857, and that of the N. by the Senate January 4, 1859. 
The Capitol to date cost: Main Building 83,000,000; Dome, $1,000,000; 
Extensions N. and S., J58, 000,000 ; miscellaneous, $1,000,000. Total, $13,000,- 
000. {See description of the Capitol for details of its construction, embellish- 
ments, and objects of interest within its mighty walls,') 



HISTOKY OF CONGKESS. 

The First Continental Congress, Peyton Kandolpb, of Va., 
President, met at Pliiladelphia in Sept., 1774, all tlie colonies 
except Georgia being represented. The British Iving and 
ministry were higlily incensed at these "persons, st^'ling 
tliemselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, 
having presumed, without liis majesty's consent, to assemble 
together at Philadelphia." A circular was sent to all the 
colonial governors, and everj'^ effort was made, by threat or 
intimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed 
Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of th<,' proceed- 



RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION. 119 

ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- 
pointed time and place, and Peyton Randolph, of Va., was 
again chosen President. Since tliis gathering tlie American 
Congress, Continental or G-eneral, as it was variously styled, 
has had an unbroken line of succession. 

Sessions of the Continental Oongress. — Commvnced 1774, 
Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 1775, May 10, Philadelphia, 
Penn. ; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- 
adelphia, Penn. ; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn. ; 1777, 
Sept. 30, Yorlc, Penn.; 1778. July 2, Philadelphia, Penn.; 
1783, June 30, Princeton, N. J. ; 1783, :N'ov. 2G, Annapolis, 
.Md. ; 1781, Kov. 1, Trenton, :N". J.; 1785, Jan. 11, New 
York Citj'', N". Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of 
the United States. 

Presidents of the Oontinental Oongress. 1774-1788.— Pey- 
ton Randolph, Va., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, 
S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; 
John Hancock, Mass., May 24, 1775; Henry Laurens, S. C, 
Nov. 1, 1777; John Jay, N". Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel 
Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Tliotnas McKean, Del., 
July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., :N'ov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- 
dinot, N. J., Nov. 4, 1782; Thomas Mifflin, Penn., :N'ov. 3, 
1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., :N'ov. 30, 1784; :N'athaniel 
Gorham, Mass., June 6, 1786; Arthur St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 
2, 1787 ; Cyrus Giiffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. 

Under tlie Articles of Confederation, executed at Phila- 
delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first 
Monday in jSTovember, till the Constitution of the United 
States went into operation, in 1789. 

Eatification of the Oonstitntion. — The Constitution of the 
United States of America was adopted September 17, 1787, 
pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- 
gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- 
federation. The ratification, in convention, by the thh-teen 
original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware ; 1787, 
Dec. 12, Penns.yivania ; 1787, Dec. 18, New Jerse3^; 1788, Jan. 
2, Georgia; 1788, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- 
chusetts; 1788, April 28, Maryland; 1788, May 23, South Car- 
olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampsiiire; 1788, June 26, Vir- 
ginia; 1788, Jnlv26, New York; 1789, Nov. 21, Nortli Carolina; 
1790, May 29, Rhode Island. 

The first Congress iinderthe Constitution commenced March 
4, 1789, held two sessions in New York Cit3\ and subsequent- 
ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years 
tlie national capital found a resting place on the very spot 



120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. 

where the Continental Congress of 1776 had given to the world 
that great instrument of American freedom the Declaration 
of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the 
broad waters of the Potomac. 

In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government 
was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat 
of Government^ and future Capital of the Republic establish- 
ed, by the act of 1790. The 6tli Congress, 2d Session, the 
tii'st which met in the City of Washington, assembled here 
on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Monday of Kov., but failed of a 
quorum of the Senate till N'ov. 21, on which day the Presi- 
dent of the United States and House of Representatives 
were notified of the organization of that body. On the next 
day the President of the United States, John Adams, in 
person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses 
of Congress assembled in tlie Senate Chamber of the Capitol. 

The Constitution requires that ^''Congress shall assemble at 
least once in everj^ year, and such meeting shall be on the 
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint 
a difterent day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution 
provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate is 
composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one 
vote. The Senate is divided equally into three classes, so 
that one third may be chosen every secoifd year, the senato- 
rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. 
The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- 
ent number 74. 

Presidents of the Senate. — (Vice Presidents of the United 
States.) — 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, 
Thomas Jeflerson, Va. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 
9-12, George Clinton, IST. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerry, 
Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N. Y. ; 1825, 19-22, J. 
C.~ Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, K. Y. ; 
1837, 25-26, R. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 
1843, 28, vacant ; 1845, 29-30, G. M. Dallas, Penn. ; 1849, 
31, Millard Fillmore, N". Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, 
W. R. King, 1 mo., Ala,; 1853, 33-31, vacant; 1857, 35-36, 
Jolni C. Breckinridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me.: 
1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant; 1869, 41-42^ 
Schuyler Colfax, Ind. ; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson, Mass.; 1875, 
44, vacant ; 1877, 45, W. A. Wheeler, N. Y. 

The House of Representatives is composed of member,=> 
chos':"!! every second year b}^ the people of the several States, 
and an^ apportioned according to their respective population. 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 121 

Representation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 
8; Arkansas, 4; California, 4 ; Connecticut 4; Delaware, 1 ; 
Florida, 2 ; Georgia, 9 ; Illinois, 19 ; Indiana, 13 ; Iowa, 9 ; 
Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, 6 ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 
6 ; Massachusetts, 11 ; Michigan, 9 ; Minnesota, 3 ; Mssissip- 
pi, 6 ; Missouri, 13 ; N'ebraska, 1 ; Nevada, 1 ; New Hamp- 
shire 3 ; JSTew Jersey, 7 ; New York, 33 ; North Carolina, 8 ; 
Ohio, 20 ; Oregon, 1 ; Pennsylvania, 27 ; Rhode Island, 2 ; 
South Carolina, 5; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 6; Vermont, 3; 
Virginia, 9 ; West Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- 
gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colorada, Dako- 
ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates maj^" propose mea- 
sures relating to their own Territory, but have no vote. 

Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- 
gress, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonathan Trum- 
bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, 
Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Theodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 
1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, 10-il, Joseph B. 
Varnum, Mass. ; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Kv. ; 1813, 13, 
Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, 
16, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barboui-, Va. ; 
1823, 18, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Tavlor, N. 
Y.; 1827, 20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va. ; 1835, 24, John 
Bell., Tenn.; 1837, 25-26, James K. Polk. Tenn.; 1841, 27, 
R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, John White, Kv. ; 1843, 28, John 
W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind. ; 1847, 30, R. C. 
Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31. Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, 
Linn Boyd, Ky. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 
James L. Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, W. Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 
37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40, Schuyler Colfax. 
Ind. ; 1869, 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. ; 1875, 44, M. C. Kerr, 
Ind. ; 1876, S. J. Randall, Penn. ; 1877, 45, S. J. Randall, 
Penn. 



122 president's house. 

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

The official residence of the President of the United States 
of America stands cm the W. plateau of the city, IJ m. from 
the Capitol. In the carl 5^ official plans and documents it is 
designated the Presidenfs Bouse, but has been since styled 
the Executive Mansion^ and popularly the '"''White House.''* 
The PennsyUania-av. street cars pass in front. 

Grrounds.— The edifice is situated near the N. limit of Ees- 
crvation No. 1, known as the President's Grounds, revised 
measurement, 80| a. The private grounds consist of aboui 
20 a. On the E., about 450 ft. distant, is the Treasury De- 
pa.rtinent, and on the W. are the Departments of State, War, 
and Navy. Between these buildings and the President's 
House is Executive av. In front a broad av., fi'om loth to 17th 
sts. W., separates the N. Park from Lafayette tSquare. Two 
gatewa3^s, connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, 
lead to the N. portico. This portion of the grounds is laid out 
in walks and paitei-res, with a fountain in the centre. The 
grounds S. are divided by the semi-circular extension of Ex- 
ecutive av. That part within the enclosure is private, and is 
adorned with lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. On 
every Saturday afternoon during the summer the Marine Band 
plays in these grounds. To the SW. are the Presidenfs Sta- 
bles. The broad avenue running S. connects with the drive 
on the Mall. 

The Building. — The President's House (E. Boom open to 
visitor's every day, except Sunday, from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) 
built of freestone painted white, is 170 ft. long by 8() ft. wide, 
tw^o stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned 
with a balusti'ade. On the N. is a grand portico, supported 
on 8 Ionic columns, with corresponding pilasters in the rear, 
aflbrding a shelter for carriages and pedestrians. The S. front 
is adorned with a lofty semi-circular colo7inade of G columns, 
of the same style as the N., resting on a rustic basement, and 
reached by 2 flights of steps. On the W. are the Conservato- 
ries. The g<^neral stjde is a modification of the residence of 
the Duke of Lienster, Dublin. The mai7i door on the N. 
opens into a ^\)'<iQ\o\\9^ vestibule ov entrance hall, 40 ft. front by 
50 ft. deep. A sash screen divides the entrance hall into two 
unequal parts, The entrance hall is frescoed overhead. The 
medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier 
are canvas, bj^ Brumidi. On the walls, within the screen, are 
portraits of Presidents John Adams, VanBuren, Tyler, Polk, 
Fillmore, and Pierce, by Healy, ptirchased under act of 1857. 



124 president's house. 

The Washiiigton is by Stuart. During the invasion of the 
British one of the colored servants of President Madison cut 
this picture from the frame, and in the flight of the Presi- 
dent's household carried it to Tennallytown, thus saving it 
from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, by Cogswell, 
was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into 
the Waiting Room, and the corresponding door on the 1. 
Into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante 
Room. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, when 
performing at receptions. Across tlie passage is the East^ 
originally designed for the Banqueting Boom^ and still so 
used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 
22 ft. high. Tlie style of decoration is pure Greek, done in 
1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre 
varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The walls are 
raised paper, gilded, and painted a drab gray. The wood- 
work throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- 
ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and 
gold. There are four mirrors on the side walls, and two at 
either end. The furniture and hangings of the windows are 
in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private. 

Tlie centre door within the screen opens into the Oval^ or 
Blue-Room^ 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully 
finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fitted 
with a reflector. On the mantel are a pair of French vases 
of superior design and workmanship. In this room the Pres- 
ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United 
States and presented for the first time. Tlie President and 
wife also receive tlie people here on publico occasions. 

On tlieE., through a door, is the Green Room^ opening into 
E. Room, and on the W. the Red Room, opening into the 
State Dining Room, 40 by 30 ft., with a dining table for 36 
covers, and suitable table ornaments. The Green and Red 
Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red 
Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine 
gilt clock and pair of French vases, one with a representa- 
tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other 
showing the environs of Passy. At the W. end of the corri- 
dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservatory. In the 
ISrW. corner, across the corridor, are the private dining room, 
butler's pantry, and iDrivate stairs. 

On the second fioor, the E. part of the building is occu- 
pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached 
by tlie public staircase through the door on the r. The Pres- 
idenfs Office, or Cabinet Room, is a fine apartment on the S. 
side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the 
public stairway, and looks out upon the S. portico. Adjoin- 



PRE81DE^T'S HOUSE. 



125 



ing is tlie libraiy, used also as a family sitting room, and en- 
tered by a private door. Tlie private portions of the second 
floor are on the W. side, shut off from the E., and consist of 
seven sleeping apartments. 

In the basement are the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- 
rooms, and vaults for fuel. 

For formalities and receptions^ see General Information — 
Etiquette. 




president's house — SOUTH FRONT. 



History — The President's House, or "Palace," so styled in the earlier doc- 
uments, was the first of the public buildings erected. On March 14, 1792, the Com- 
niissioners of the city advertised for plans for a President's House and Capitol. On 
Uily 16, 1792, these were examined at Georgetown. The first premium of $500 waa 
awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House. 
On Oct. 13, 1792, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, architects, 
and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the 
site selected for the President's House, and there, with appropriate and solemn 
ceremonies, laid the corner-stone of that structure. 

The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, the architect, and 
was prosecuted under the same difficulties which surrounded the Capitol. Mr. 
Weld, an English traveler, writing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in 
the country, and much extolled by the people ; stating that persons found fault with 
it as being too large and too splendid for the residence of any person in a republican 
country ; and, to use his ov/n words, " certainly it is a ridiculous habitation for a 
man who receives a salary that amounts to no more than £5,625 per annum, and 
in a country where the expenses of living are far greater than they are even in 
London." 

The first President to occupy the building was John Adams, who took possession 
in Nov., 1800, after the removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Gov- 
ernment. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a 
home owned by the nation. In New York and Philadelphia rented houses were 
occupied. The building up to 1814 had cost $333,207. 

The President's House was destroyed by the British in 1814. After the evacua- 
lion the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of New York av, and l8th 



126 



PRESIDENT S HOUSE. 



St. NW., known as the " Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic office of the 
Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the Prestdent's 
House, which was done by Hoban, the original architect. It was not agaa ready, 
however, till after 1818 In 1823 the S. portico, in 1826 the East Room, and in 
1829 the N. portico were finished. Since that time the interior of the structure has 
been subject to frequent renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, how- 
ever, for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices and private res- 
idence. Congress has now under consideration a proposition to erect a suitable and 
exclusively private mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the 
President's household, and the conversion of the present building into execu- 
tive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the Pres- 
ident's Kcuse from 1800 to date amounts to $1,700,000. 




THE president's house, 1840,— (from an old print.) 



Presidents 0/ the United States 0/ America.— i. George Washijigton, Va., 
J7S9-1797, Federalist; 2. John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801, Fed.; 3. Thomas Jei- 
fcrsoii, V^a., 1801-1809, Republican; 4. James Madison, Va., 1809-1817, Rep.; 
5. James Monroe, Va , 1817-1S25, Rep,; 6. John Quincy Adams, Mass , 1825- 
1829, Rep.; 7. Andrew Jactson, Tenn., 1S29-1837, Democrat; 8, Martin Van 
Bureu, N. Y., 1837-1841 Dem.; 9. William Henry Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 
I mo., Whig; 10. John Tyler, Va., 1841-1845, elected a Whig; 11. James K. 
Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849, Dem.; 12. Zackary Taylor, La,, 1849-1850, Whig; 
13. Millard Fillmore. N. Y., 1850-1853, Whig ; 14. Franklin Pierce, N. H.. 
1853-1857, Dem.; 15. James Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861, Dem.; 16. Abraham 
Lincoln, 111., 1861-1865, Rep.; 17. Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1:869, elected 
a Republican; 18. Ulysses S. Grant, III., 1869-1877, Rep.; 19. R. B. Hayes, 
Ohio, 1877, elected a Republican. 

rbe Executive. — The Executive power of the United States (Const., 
1787, Art. II., Sec. i) is vested in a President, who holds office for four year;,, 
■ind a Vice-President, chosen for the same term. No person except a nature! 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 127 

born citizen of the United States, having attained to the age of 35 years, is elig- 
ible to the office. The President and Vice-President are elected by electors in 
each State, as prescribed by Article XII., Amendments to the Constitution of 
the United States (1804), the Acts of Congress of March i, 1792, and J'xnuary 
23, 1845, and State law enacted in compliance therewith. After the Vice-Presi- 
dent the President of the Senate /r^; /f?/«/.;r<?, or, if none, the Speaker of the 
House ofKepresentatives, for the time being. is authorized to act as President until 
the disability be removed or a President elected. The declination or resigna- 
tion of the President or Vice-President must be in writing, and delivered into 
the office of the Secretary of State. 

The ter7n 0/ office commences March 4th, after the election, if Sunday, on the 
day following; no inaugural ceremony is required, except that the oath per- 
scribed by the Constitution be taken. This solemn duty is performed by the 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

The Pfesident^s salary is $50,000 per annum, and the use of the furniture 
and effects belonging to the United States and kept in the Executive Mansic-n. 
The official household consists of a private and assistant secretaries, two ex- 
ecutive clerks, one stewardani one messenger. 'Y\v^ steward o^ x\vz President's 
household, under the direction of the President, is responsible t'or the plate, 
furniture and other public property in the President's House, and must give a 
bond to the United States for a f lithfu! discharge of his trust. Jeff"erson was 
the first President inaugurated in Washington The tirst inaugural address 
delivered outside the Senate Chamber was by Monroe. The executive has no 
powers except in conjunction with the legislative branch. Previous to the 
adoption of the Constitution the executive power was vested in Congress. 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

The Department of State, {open daily from Di a. m. to 2^ 
p. m., except Thursdays, devoted exclusively to the diplomatic 
corps, and Saturdays, during sessions of Congress, to members,) 
occupies the S, pavilion of the imposing edifice, immedi- 
ately W. of the President's House. 

The Building: — This vast structure, erected for \he 
accommodation of the Departments of State, War and Navy, 
designed by A. B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the 
Treasury, consists of three harmonious buildings united by 
connecting wings, and together forming in design and exe- 
cution, the finest edifice of the kind in the world. 

The style is the Eoman Doric (Italian Eenaissance), 
originally treat-ed. It combines the massive proportions of 
ancient With the elegance of modern architecture. The 
dimensions from N. to S., including pavilion projections and 
steps, are 567 ft., and from E. to W. 342 ft., or exclusive of 
projections, 471 ft. N. and S. and 253 ft. E. and W. The 
greatest height from the terrace level over all is 128 ft. 
There is a sub-basement and basement of Maine granite, and 



128 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

superstructure of Virginia granite, comprising four stories in 
the pavilions of the N. and S. fa9ades, and one in the roof, 
and five stories and one in the roof in the E. and W. cen- 
tre pavilions. The whole is crowned by an artistically de- 
signed mansard roof. The building was commenced in 1871. 
and the S. pavilion finished and occupied by the Depart- 
ment of State in 1875. The entire structure has 150 
rooms, and cost $5,000,000. 

The building has four facades of equal importance, the N. 
and S., and the E. and W. being respectively counterparts. 
There are two courts into which there are four private car- 
riage ways from the E. and W. The E. and W. facades pre- 
sent the appearance of a centre and two lateral wings. 
The centre is connected with the N. and S. by two wings. 
There are four grand entrances by the N., S. and, E. W. centres 
of the pavilions approached by massive flights of steps 
through tlie projecting porticoes. The platforms are of im- 
mense blocks of granite, weighing over 20 tons each. There 
are four other entrances of less importance. The building 
is absolutely fire-proof. All the stone was dressed in the 
quarries. The sub-basement is devoted to storage, fur- 
naces and engines, the basement to bindery, storage and 
clerks' rooms. The remaining stories are divided into 
splendid apartments, for the uses of the various bureaus of 
the Department. 

Objects of Interest : — A grand corridor traverses the building 
from E. to W., and is intersected from the S. grand entrance by a spacious 
hall. Opposite is a passenger elevator. On the left is an ante-room On 
the second floor, S. side, over-looking the Potomac, is The Reception Room 
(4 and 6), a sumptuous i-rt/d7«, open (when not in use) except on Thursdays; 
decorated in the Germanized Egyptian style, in distemper with Marquetry 
floor, and furnishings of ebonized wood and gold brocade. Here is a beautiful 
silver Urn, presented by citizens of Philadelphia, in 1812, to Captain Isaac 
Hull, of the U. S. frigate Constitution, for his victory over the British ship 
Guerriere, August 19, 1812; also a brace oi pistols and a gold-mounted sword, 
to the same, from citizens of Connecticut. The roo?n of the Secretary of State 
(12), adjoining on the E , is chastely tinted. The rooms of the Assistant Secre- 
taries and Chief Clerk are on the same range. The Diplomatic ante-room (i) 
is also delicately tinted. On the third story, over the S. entrance, is the Li- 
brary. The alcoves, arranged in four tiers, are entirely of iron. Over head is 
a glass canopy. The library is the most complete and valuable, in works of 
diplomacy, on this continent. 

In the department are the original rolls of all the laws of the United States 
and the Diplomatic and Consular archives, including treaties, from the foun- 
dation of the Government. There are also othe r documents of historic value, 
principally the original drafts of the old Revolutionary documents, the Federal 
Constitution, Washington' s Commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Anieri- 
can troops during the Revolution, and the A?tdre papers. The day before'the 
o:cupation of the city by the British, John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton and 
Josiah King, clerks in the department, carried these, with many other valuable 
documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. The treaties and other 
records are preserved in the room of the Keeper of Rolls. Until 1873 the more 
interesting treaties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some of 



130 DEPARTMENT OF STATH. 

them having been stolen by a subordinate of the depai'^mcnt, they have since 
been placed away for greater security The files oj American Newspapers^ 
from 1781, are the most extensive and complete in existence. 

The Columns, pilasters, casings '^wA beams in the corridors are of iron, the 
aoors throughout are of Honduras Mahogany. The spacious stairways at 
either end of the corridors are of granite, with exquisite bronze balusters ; over 
head is a..LUCCo canopy. <i'here is an electric clock on each floor. The flt)ors 
are of white Vermont and black Pennsylvania marbles. 

Secretaries of State — -1789, i'homas Jefferson, Va.; 1794, Edmund Ran- 
dolph, Va.; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass.; 1800, John Marshall, Va.; 1801, 
James Madison, Va.; 1809, Robert Smith, Md.; 1811, James Monroe, Va.; 
1817, John Q. Adams, Ma.ss.; 1825, Henry Clay Ky.; 1829, Martin Van Buren, 
N. Y.; 1831, Edward Livmgstou, La.; 1833, Louis McLane, Del.; 1834, John 
Forsyth, Ga.: 1841, Daniel Webster, Mass.; 1843, Hugh S. Legare, S. C; 1843, 

A. P. Upshur, Va.; 1844, Joha Nelson, Md.; 1 844, J. C. Calh^.un S. C; 1845, 
James Buchanan, Peiui.; 1849, J. M. Clayton, Del.; i8'5'>, Daniel Webster, 
Mass.; 1852, Edward Everett, Mass.; 1853, ^ ^- Marcy, N. ¥.; 1857, Lewis 
Cass. Mich.; i860 Jer. S. Black, Penn.; 1861, W. H. Neward, N. Y,; 1S69, E. 

B. Washburne, III.; laog, Hamilton Fis.., i\ . Y; 1877, William M. Evarts.N.V. 

History of the Department. — Before the adoption of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States the ' Department of Foreign Affairs" was under the 
direction of an officer styled *■ Secretary to the United States of America for the 
Department ol Foreign .Affairs,'' who was required to '• reside where Congress or 
a committee of the States should sit," and hcid hi:> office during the pleasure of 
Congress. On July 27, 17S9, after the adoption of the Constitution, the office 
was created an executive department, to be known as the Department of For- 
eign Affairs, and the head as the ' Secretary for the Department of Foieign 
Affairs " On September 15, 1789, the name was changed to Department ot 
State, and the chief officer designated Secretary 0/ State. The Secretary is 
ex officio a member of the Cabinet 0/ the President of the United States, and 
carries out his instructions, "agreeable to the Constitution," in all matters re- 
lating to diplomatic intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- 
vision he is specially charged with the negotiation of all treaties with foreign 
Powers, and conducts all official correspondence with the diplomatic repre- 
sentatives of foreign governments resident in the United States, and with the 
diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, and grants pass- 
ports to citizens ol the United States leaving the country. He is the custodian 
of the seal of the United States^ being governed in its use by the orders of the 
President. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted to all officers 
confirmed by the Senate, and superintends the publication of all acts and reso- 
lutions of Congress, and foreign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals 
of the same. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 



TKEASURY DEPARTMENT. 

The Treasury Department {open to the public daihj^ except 
Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's 
House, on the line of loth St., and may be reached from the 
E. or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. 

Description of the Building— The general plan of tlio 
building measures 468 ft. from JST. to S.. and 264 ft. from E. 
to W., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. 
The order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters 
running through three stories, above which is an attic, and 
below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic 
work. The sky-line of the entire building is siu'mounted by 
a stone balustrade. The building has four fronts. The W., 
which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 
30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. 
The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Virginia 
freestone. 

The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, 
on the coast of Maine. The E. fronts facing the President's 
House, is broken by a grand central portico, consisting of 8 
monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, 
and tlie same in the recesses on either side. This portico is 
reached by a broad flight of steps. At either end, on the same 
line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on tlie 
W. side. The iST. and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a 
central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. 
Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on 
either side by a balustrade. 'The platform on the N. front is 
below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to 
the attractions of this front. On the S. the same platform 
stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- 
ing efl"ect. The shafts of all the columns in the extension 
are monolithic, 31^ ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 
tons. The pilasters are also single blocks of 'the same height, 
and weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against 
which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft.Xl7 ft.x20 in., and 
weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very flne 
design and workmanship. On the E., N., and S., on eitlier 
side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in 
summer filled with flowers and ornamental shrubs. The 
building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, 
and 3 in the basement on the W. front. The interior arrange- 
ment of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a 
wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120'ft. 



132 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 



deep, projecting W, Those squares measure each 138 ft. by 
123 ft. The old portion of the present building, erected part- 
ly on the same site after the destruction of its predecessor, 
the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed 
l>y Robert Mills, commenced in 1S3G, and ready for occupan- 
cy in 1841. It was of a T shape, tiie colonnade fronting E., 
and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of 
the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In oi-der to secure 
a uniformity of fronts, it is propos:^d to take down the colon- 
nade on tlij VV". and replace it with a facade corresponding 
witli that-on the E. This would necessitate the acquisitioii 
of a portion of the square opposite. In ISoo the extension 
was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued 
by liOgers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is 
reached by a double fiiglit of steps, into a vestibule formed 
of 6 Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In the cen- 
tre is the main corridor, dividing the building into two parts, 
and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On#the r. and 




TREASURY DEPARTMENT. * 

1. are corrllors to the wings. A double stairway to the base- 
ment and I he upper stories springs from tliis vestibule. There 
are also stairways in each angle and opposite the E. entrance. 
The vestibules of the ]!<". and W. entrances are chastely" de- 
signed, suppoi'ted on iron columns. The corridors of the 
extension are broken by iron pilasters, and the capitals, cor- 
nice, and ceilings are ornamented with emblematic designs. 
The entrance on the S. front opens directly into the S. corri- 
dor. The building contains 195 rooms, in addition to those in 



134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. ^ 

the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, 
and store-rooms, and the attic, occupied by the Bureau 
of Engraving and Printing. Cost, $6 000^000. 

Objects of Interest. — The Office of the Secretary of the Treasury is a 
beautiful apartment on the second floor, on the S. side of the south corridor. 
The Cash Room, entrance on the first floor, N. corridor. The balcony is en- 
tered by a door from the S. corridor on the second floor. The most attractive 
features of the room are the walls, which are of highly polished marbles of 
beautiful variety, as follows: Lower Story — stylobate, (5«ji?, black, Ver- 
mont ; mouldings , Bardiglio, Italian : stiles, dove, Vermont ; paneh. Sienna, 
Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above st^i^o'ekte., J>ilasters and panel beads^ 
white-veined, stiles. Sienna, Italian; panels, Bardiglio, Italian; cornice, 
white-veined, Italian. Upper Story— stylobate same as lower. Above 
stylobate as in lower story, except the pane Is, y/\i\c\\ are Sarrangolum marble 
from the Pj'renees. The vaults, in which the current funds of the Govern- 
ment are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer of the 
United States, office in the NE. angle of the building, first floor, deliver to 
the Cashier, first door W. of the entrance to the Cash Room. The vaults are 
of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the same capacity is 
overhead. The amount usually in the vault is about |Sio,ooo,ooo, including 
gold coin. The money is kept in packages or bags in the wooden cases. Near 
the door of the vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the 
vaults above and the express office immediately below. As much as $5,000,000 
have been shipped to the different sub-treasuries in a single day. The vault 
31 which the national bank bonds are kept is on the same floor, near by, the 
permit being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National Banks, whose 
office is in the NW. angle of the building. In the basement are two reserve 
vaults, not open to visitors at all. 

The Counting of the Currency may be Seen through the doorways on the 
right of the west corridor, N. end. None but employees are permitted to enter. 
The counting is done entirely by lady clerks. The facility and accuracy with 
which they accomplish their work are marvelous. 

The Library on the S. corridor third floor contains 8,000 volumes of the 
choicest works in every branch of literature It is for the use of the employees. 
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the attic, at the head of the 
flight of steps leading up from the W. entrance. Visitors are admitted when 
in operation, from 9.30 to 10.30 a. m., by order of the Secretary of the Trea- 
sury, in the discretion of the Superintendent of the Bureau. In these rooms 
are presses and other machinery for the printing of United States bonds and 
other securities and notes, fractional currency, and internal revenue stamps. 
The engraving is also done in the Bureau. About 500 men and women are 
employed. A loo-horse power engine runs the machinery. The paper is 
counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till all the sheets are 
returned to the officer in charge. 

The Redemption Division, N. corridor of the basement; the currency unfit 
for circulation, and received from all parts of the country, is here counted and 
cancelled previous to be burned. The cancelling is done by a machine run by 
a turbine wheel. A permit from the Treasurer must be obtained^ the same 
as for a visit to the vaults. 

The Rooms of the Supervising Architect of the Treasury in the basement, 
W. corridor S. end, contain a number of suberb drawings of public buildings 
erected bj"^ the government. The. general feattires o^ \n&res.tm the building 
are the north, west and south corridors, and the gracefully designed granite 
stairways leading from them. 

Photograph Ofl5.ce. — Opposite the S. entrance is the 
building occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury- 
Department. Here /acsmi'Zes of accounts for verification 
by agents sent throughout the country or abroad, and 
plans and elevations of public buildings, are made by 
means of photography. This work is carried on on a large 
scale. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 135 

Ooast Survey. — This important office occupies a private 
building, erected, however, for its use, in 1871, on 'Hew Jer- 
sey av., SE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. 
The object of the service is the survey of the coasts of the 
United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 
1807, but its permanent ori;-anization was not eli'ected till 1833. 
In the building are preserved tiie original records and charts, 
topographical and hydrographic, from the beginning. The 
Standards of Weights and Measnres are also kept here, and 
are under tlie control of tiie Superintendent of tlie Coast Sur- 
vey. From these the standards are furnisiied to the States. 
The balance for heavy weights is a line specimen of worl^man- 
ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. 
There is also a set of French weiglits and measures, presented 
to the United States. These interesting objects are not on 
general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having 
a special purpose in view, may see them on application to the 
Superintendent. 

Secretaries of the IVeasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, 
N. Y.; 1795, Oliver AYolcott,' Jr., Conn. ; 1891, Samuel Dex- 
ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- 
bell, Tenn. ; 1814. A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- 
ford, Ga. ; 1825, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, 
Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 
1833, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1834, Levi AVoodburv, N. H. ; 
1841, Thomas E wing, Ohio; 1841, W. Forward, Penn.; 1843, 
J. C. Spencer, N. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. 
Walker, Miss.; 1849, AY. M. Meredith, Penn.; 1850, Thomas 
Corwin, Ohio; 1S53, James Gutin-ie, Ky.; 1857, Howell Cobb, 
Ga. ; 18G0, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N. Y. ; 1861, 
S. P. Chase, Ohio; 1864, W. P. Fessenden, Me.: 186), H. 
McCuUoch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, AV. A. 
Richardson, Mass. ; 1874, B. H. Bristow, Ky. ; 1876, Lot M. 
Morrill, Me. ; 1877, John Sherman, Ohio, 

The ''Departni'jiit of the Tr.-a-ni'y '' was organized under 
act of Congress of S,'ptemb;'r 2. 17S9, with a S.'cretary of the 
Treasury as the chi 'f officer, wlio is also ex oficio a vnember 
of the President's Cabinet. It was tlic duty of tlie St-cretary 
to manage the business pertaining to the revenue and the 
support of the public credit, to inVik(> estimates of revenues 
and expenditures, to collect the revenue, to decide the form 
of keeping and stating accounts and making returns, to grant 
warrants for moneys authorized by law, to execute such ser- 
vices relative to the sale of public lands as were requhed of 
him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and 
generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 
1800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 



136 WAR DEPARTMENT. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 

The War Department [open every day, Sundays excepted, 
from ^ A. M. to 3 P. M.) occupies the northern half of the 
east connecting wing of the vast edifice erected for the ac- 
commodation of the Departments of State, War and Navy. 
[For description see page 127.) The east wing was formally 
turned over to the Secretaries of War and Navy, April 16, 
1879, length 341 ft., depth of curtains 62, height to top of 
centre pavilion ventilator 135 ft., rooms 173, windows 412, 
cost 12,500,000. 

This wing will ultimatelj' be entirely occupied by the Navy Department. 
On the north wing, for the occupancy of the War Department, excavations for 
foundations commenced June 17, 1879. The demolition of the Northwest Ex- 
ecutive Building, erected 18 18, and occupied by the War Department, began 
April 7, 1879. "^he portico, consisting of six plain columns with Ionic capi- 
tals, entablature, and two aiitce of sandstone, was removed, under the direc- 
tion of the Quartermaster General of the Army, to be utilized at the portals of 
the Ai'lington National Cemetery. 

Objects of Interest in the War Department. — Note. — Visitors to the 
Building can enter any of the apartments simply to view them by permission 
of the chief clerk or the ushers at the door. 

The basement, reached from the sidewalk contains nothing of special inter- 
est. The sub-basement, reached by the centre main steps, contains the ma- 
chinery for the elevators, pumps, heating and ventilating apparatus, boilers, 
coal vaults and store rooms. 

First Floor (Room 55), on the r. of the main entrance, the headquarters 
of the Army. The General receives by card from 10 a. ;«. to 2. p. in. In this 
suite of apartments is an interesting gallery, mostly taken from family por- 
traits, collected by Col. Audenreid, of the senior officers commanding the ar- 
mies of the United States — George Washington, of Virginia, 1775-83 and 
1798-99; Henry Knox, of Massachusetts, 1783-84; Josiah Harmer, of Penn- 
sylvania, 1789-91 ; Arthur St. Clair, of Pennsylvania, 1791-92 ; Anthony 
Wayne, of Pennsylvania, 1792-96 ; James Wilkinson, of (b. in) Maryland, 
1796-98 and 1800-12 ; Alexander Hamilton, of New York (senior officer upon 
death of Washington), 1 799-1800 ; Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts,- 1812-15 ; 
Jacob Brown, of Pennsylvania, 1815-28 ; Alexander Macomb, of Michigan, 
1828-41 ; Winfield Scott, of Virginia, 1841-61 ; George Brinton McClellan, of 
(b. in) Pennsylvania, 1861-62 ; Henry Wager Halleck, of New York, 1862-64; 
Ulysses Simpson Grant, of Illinois, 1864-69 ; William Tecumseh Sherman-, of 
Ohio, 1869. 

Also oil paintings of General Andrew Jackson, of Tennessee, taken imme- 
diately after the battle of New Orleans, and finished in 1836; General Zach- 
ary Taylor, of Louisiana, from life, 1846; Generals George Gordon Meade, of 
Pennsylvania, and James Birdseye McPherson, of Ohio, and other general offi- 
cers of the Army. Also a series of oil paintings representing scenes on the 
frontier , by N. H. Trotter, of Pennsylvania, Wounded Buffaloes pursued by 
Prairie Wolves, 1876, the The Last Stand, 1876, Herd of Elk, 1878, Grizzly 
Bears, 1879. Also the original pen and ink copies of Life Studies in the 
Army, by Edwin Forbes, of New York, awarded the Centennial medal for the 
finest drawing. 

The rest of this corridor is occupied by the various staflF departments. 



138 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

The Second Floor (Room 93), The office of the Secretary of War and re- 
ception room adjoining, constitute a beautiful suite of apartments artistically 
finished in encaustic and oil, and luxuriously furnished. Here is a valuable 
and interesting collection of portraits of the Secretaries of War from the 
foundation of the Government, cost $305 each, and painted authority Congress. 

Secretary of War, 1789, Henry Knox, of Massachusetts, portrait by — 

Young, after Charles Gilbert Stuart ; 1795, Timothy Pickering, of Massachu- 
setts, by Edwin Bracket, after Stuart; 1796, James McHenry. of Maryland, 
by Daniel Huntingdon, after Pollock ; 1800, Samuel Dexter, of Massa- 
chusetts, by Bracket ; 1801, Roger Griswold, of Connecticut, no portrait painted; 
1801, Henry Dearborn, of Massachusetts, by Huntingdon, after Stuart ; 1809, 
William Eustis, of Massachusetts, by Bracket ; 1813, John Armstrong, of New 
York, by Huntingdon, after John Vanderlyn ; 1814, James Monroe, of Virginia, 
by Robert W. Weir ; 1815, Alexander J. Dallas, of Pennsylvania, ad interitn, 
by Ph. Morton ; 1815, William H. Crawford, of Georgia, by Huntington, after 
John Wesley Jarvis ; 181 7, George Graham, of Virginia, ad interitn, by Hun- 
tington, after Charles King; 1817, John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, by 
Jarvis ; 1825, James Barbour, of Virginia, by Henry Ulke ; 1828, Peter B. 
Porter, of New York, by Huntington, after Weir; 1829, John H. Eaton, of 
Tennessee, by Weir ; 1831, Lewis Cass, of Michigan, by Huntington, after 
George Peter, Alexander Healy ; 1836, Benjamin F. Butler, of New York, 
ad interim, by Weir ; 1837, Joel Poinsett, of South Carolina, by Weir, after 
Thomas Sully; 1841, John Bell, of Tennessee, by T. L.Clear; 1841, John 
McLean, of Ohio, no portrait painted; 1841, John C. Spencer, of New York, 
by Weir; 1843, James M. Porter, of Pennsylvania, by Huntington; 1844, 
William Wilkins, of Pennsylvania, by Weir ; 1845, William L. Marcy, of New 
York, by Ulke; 1849, George W. Crawford, of Georgia, by Huntington ; 1850, 
General Winfield Scott, a<2?i«if^rz/«, army, by Weir ; 1850, Charles M. Con- 
rad, of Louisiana, by Huntington ; 1853, Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, by 
Huntington ; 1857, John B. Floyd, of Virginia, by Huntington ; 1861, Joseph 
Holt, of Kentucky, by Weir; 1861, Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, by 
Henry Thorpe ; 1862, Edwin M. Stanton, of Ohio, by Weir; 1867, U. S. Grant, 
ad interim^ axTciy , by Ulke; 1868, General Lorenzo Thomas, ad interitn, 
army, no portrait painted ; 1868, John M. Schofield, of Illinois, by H. P. Cur- 
tis ; 1869, John A. Rawlins, oi Illinois, by Weir ; 1869, W. T. Sherman, 
pro tempore, army, by Healy ; 1869, William W. Belknap, of Iowa, by Hun- 
tington; 1876, A. Taft, of Ohio, by Huntingdon; 1876, James D. Cameron, 
of Pennsylvania, by Huntington ; 1877, George W. McCrary, Iowa, by Ulke ; 
1879, Alexander Ramsey, of Minnesota, 

Private Secretary's Rootn (92). Portraits of General George Rogers Clarke, 
of Virginia, by Peter Bomgrass ; i860, General Clarke's occupation of the 
North-western Territory, secured by the treaty of 1783, the boundary line of 
the Great Lakes instead of the Ohio River ; General Horatio Gates, of New 
York, President of the Board of War; 1777, by Huntington, General George 
Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Army ; 1775, by Hunting- 
ton, after Stuart, General Bei^amin Lincoln, of Massachusetts, Secretary of 
War ; 1781, a copy of Sergeant's head, by J. A. Young ; General John Arm- 
strong, of Pennsylvania, by Huntington, after Vanderlyn; General Winfield 
Scott, Secretary of War, ad interim, 1850. 

In the Chief Clerk's Room is a collection of twelve small paintings of spirit, 
by G. H. Walker, representing the campaign against the City of Mexico. 

Third Floor (Room 116). The Library, comprising 25,000 volumes, mostly 
on military subjects, and a selected list of miscellaneous works and military 
maps. The cases were designed by H. T. Crosby, Chief Clerk. It also con- 
tains many rare and valuable manuscripts relating to the military history of 
the country. 

Fourth Floor Nothing of special interest. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 



139 



Other places of interest under the War Department, as 
the Arsenal, Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in 
Winder's Building, will be found under appropriate heads. 
In the Flag Rooms, No. 616 17th street, opposite the War 
Department {open from 9 a. m. to 8 p. m. daily, except Sunday)^ 
are the battle-torn United States and State flags taken from 
the national forces and recovered upon the capture of 
Richmond, and captured Confederate flags. They repre- 
sent every State. 

Signal Office. — (O/en every day, except Sunday, from 12 a. tti. to %p. m.) 
The Chief Signal Officer of the Army, under whose direction the national 
weather observations are made, occupies two contiguous brick buildings on 
G street, W. of the War Department. The wires entering the building con- 
nect the office with the diflferent stations in all parts of the country, through the 
lines of the general telegraphic companies. 

The entrance /or visitors is by the door No. 1719. Ascend to the Instru- 
■ment Room, in the fourth story. Here may be seen the apparatus employed 
in the various meteorological observations, including the barometer for atmos- 
pheric pressure, and to indicate the passage of storms ; the thertnonteter, 
mercurial and spirit, for temperature; the hygrometer, humidity ; the anem- 
ometer, for velocity of the wind ; the wind-vane, or anemoscope, for direction 
of the wind ; and ram gauge, for rain-fall. 

On the roof of the building ^re rain-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers, 
with self-registering instruments in room below. There is a complete set of self- 

On Nov. I, 1870, at 7 35 a. m.. the first systematiied synchronous meteoric 
reports ever taken in the'United States were read from the instruments by the 
observer sergeants of the signal service at 24 stations, and placed upon the tele- 
graphic wires for transmission. In Oct., 1871, the display of cautionary sig- 
nals was inaugurated at ports on the Atlantic and the Gulf coast and the north- 
ern lakes. The sphere of usefulness of this important service is annually ex- 
tended. 

History of the 
Depart m e n t : — 
Prior to 1789 the Sec- 
retary of War was 
charged with the di- 
rect management of 
the military aflfairs of 
Congrebs. The office 
was created an ex- 
ecutive department 
August 7, 1789. The 
Secretary was then 
required to execute 
the orders of the 
President of the 
United States in all 
matters respecting 
military, naval or 
Indian aflfairs. The 
Secretary of War is 
now restricted un- 
der the direction of 
the President to 
jurisdiction over 
the military service 
only. He is ex of- 
ficio a member of 
the Cabinet. 




140 NAVY DEPARTMENT. 



NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

The Navy Department {open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies the south half of the east 
connecting wing of the State, War and Navy Department 
Building. {For description of the general building see page 
127, and for east luing page 138.) The Naval Observatory, 
Navy Yard and Marine Barracka are described under their 
appropriate heads. The Nautical Almanac office for the 
computation of astronomical tables for the Observatory, 
the Navy and Merchant service, established 1849, at Cam- 
bridge, Mass., and removed to Washington, 1866, is also 
in quarters away from the Department. 

Objects op Interest in the Building ; 

Basement. — In the Hydrographic office where charts are made and the depot 
of all hydrographic information for the use of the navy and commerce, is the 
largest chart printing press in the United States. The sub-basement, entered 
from the middle'stairs, contains the machinery,heating and ventilating apparatus. 

The First Floor contains Bureau offices. 

On the Second Floor (Room 97) is the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, 
a magnificent apartment with Marquetry floor, walls finished in gilt and colors 
in the Greek style of decoration ; furnishings very rich. The chief clerk' s 
office adjoining is also a fine room. 

The Third Floor is devoted to the Bureaus of the Department. 

On the Fourth Floor is the Library in the centre pavilion, the walls, ceii- 
'"^Ss, gallery-flooring, wainscoting and cases of cast iron, and floor encaustic 
tiles. The panels in the walls consist of marbles, the red being Griotte, the 
green, Alpine; the yellow, Sienna, and the chocolate, Lake Champlain, (Vt.) 
The niches are finished in bronze, cast iron plates, and in each are artistic gas 
brackets, in pure bronze, cast 1880, by Bureau Brothers and Heaton, of 
Philadelphia, in the first story the figures representing &r/V«d:^, War, Industry 
and Liberty, those in the gallery being allegorical of the Navy. 

The dome or skylight overhead consists of heavy iron frames, and white and 
colored glass. The arrangement is in two stories with a gallery and'archways 
on the N. and S. sides leading to the alcoves for books and hand elevators. 

Fifth Floor. In the center pavilion the door leads to the gallery of the 
Library. Overhead is a beautiful skylight of iron and colored glass, The 
grand stairways of six flights each, four being geometrical, lead from the attic 
to the sub-basement, are wonders of construction, no two steps being alike, and 
being let into the wall 16 inches, and firmly wedged, forming a cantilever. The 
bronze balusters, 1106 in number, cast by the Hopkins and Dickinson Manu- 
facturing Co., cost $5.50 each, and are exceedingly fine. The hand rails and 
newel posts, are massive and rich in finish, being mahoga:nyfrom CentralAmerica. 

All the corridor floors are tiled in alternate white and black marble from 
Swanton, Vt. The upper landings are black marble from Glen Falls, N. Y. 

Secretaries of the Navy. — The War Departme^it had charge of Naval 
affairs until 1798. 1798, George Cabot, Mass., declined; 1798, Benjamin Stod- 
dert, Md. ; 1801, Robert Smith, Md. ; 1805, Jacob Crowninshields, Mass. ; 
1809, Paul Hamilton, S. C. ; 1813, William Jones, Pa. ; 1814, Benjamin W. 
Crowninshields, Mass. ; 1818, Smith Thompson, N. Y. ; 1823, John Rogers, 
Mass. ; 1823, Samuel L. Southard, N. J. ; 1829, John Branch, N. C. ; 1831, Levi 
Woodbury, N. H ; 1834, Mahlon Dickerson, N. J. ; 1838, James K. Pauld- 
ing,N. Y. ; 1841, G. E. Badger, N. C ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1843, David 
Henshaw, Mass. ; 1844, T. W, Gilmer, Va. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, 
George Bancroft, Mass. ; 1846, John Y. Mason, A''a. ; 1849, W. B. Pre.ston Va. 



H'Z . NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

Preston, Va. ; 1850, W. A. Graham, N. C. ; 1852, J. B. Kennedy, 
Md.; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, N. C; 1857, Isaac Toucey, Conn.; 
1861, Gideon Welles, Conn. ; 1869, A. E. Boi ie. Penn. ; 1869, G. 
M. Robeson, N. J. ; 1877, Richard W. Thompson, Ind. 

The naval service, previously under the direction of the 
Secretary of War, in April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- 
tive department created for the purpose, and designated the 
Department of the IS'avy, the chief officer of which was to be 
called the Secretary of the N'avy. His duties were to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States in all matters 
connected with the naval establishment of the United States. 
Dimng the same year the Marine Corps was organized, as an 
adjunct to the naval establisl^ment. 

In 1862 the department was reorganized by the division of 
its duties into eight bureaus, viz, Ordnance, Equipment and 
Recruiting, Yards and Docks, N'avigation, Medicine and Sur- 
gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- 
struction and Repair. 

The Secretary of the N"ayy is ex officio a member of the ^ 
Cabinet of the President of the United States. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 

This department {open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p.m.) occupies offices in the vast structure known 
as the Patent Office. (For description see page 144.) 

Objects of Interest (Main Floor). — The Office of the Secretary of the 
Interior, at the south end of the E. corridor, a fine apartment containing a 
<oUection of photographs of the Secretaries of the Interior, ■a.wA paintings of 
Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, by Stanley, former Secretaries: the 
Office of the Commissioner of Patents, on the N. corridcr, where will be 
found a set oi engravings of the Com,missioners, including a portrait of Dr. 
IViliiatn Thornton of Penn., designer af the original plan of the Capitol, and 
Superintendent of Patents in the State Department, 1S03-1827. A very valu- 
able portrait oi Robert Fuitoft, of Penn., one of the inventors of the steam-, 
boat, and painted by himself; Fulton studied under Benjamin West, of Penn , 
president of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, London. Also 8 artist proof 
engravings ol celebrated in7ientors from original paintings in the collection 
of and presented by B. Woodcroft, (if the Great Seal Patent Office, London. 
The Department Library, on the N. corridor, containing over 6,000 volumes 
for the use of employees in the building ; the Patent Office Library on the S. 
corridor, containing over 7,000 volumes bearing upon the mechanic and useful 
arts, and for reference in the library room, and the Indian Office where some- 
times may be seen the representatives of Indian nations, who have been 
brought to the Capitol in connection with negotiation of treaties or business 
arising under them. 'Y\i& re»iainittg offices '\u.s^q building possess no par- 
ticular interest to the general visitor. For description of Model Museum see 
page 147. 

Bureau of Education. — {Open every day, except Sunday , 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) — Occupies a rented building on the 
NE. corner of G and 8th sts. NW. There is a fine library 



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 143 

of educational works, and other objects of interest in the 
promotion of education. 

.HiSTORT. — In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the diflFerent 
States, in proportion to their representation, of millions of the surplus funds 
in the Treasury for safe keeping, and repayment when required. The income 
of this fund in some states was used for school purposes. 

In 1862 follou'ed the grants for colleges of agricuitnre and 
the mechanic arts. T^^ken in connection with previous acts of 
liberality for the same purpose, the total of land grants in the 
interest of education amounted to 78,570,794 acres. If ex- 
tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union, 
the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 
79,066,794 acres, or 124,323 square miles. This area of terri- 
tory is greater than that of the whole of the British Isles, and 
over half the area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued 
at the Government price of SI 25 per acre, makes a donation 
of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- 
gether have not done so much for the education and future 
happiness of their people. The idea of using the public do- 
main for educational purposes is not modern." In 1823 it was 
a subject of inquiry in the House of Kepresentatives, the 
proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be 
distributed for the promotion of education in the several 
States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same 
House to the effect that all money received from these sales 
ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- 
mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 
1826 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- 
tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung 
the common-school System of the interior N'W. 

On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- 
cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts 
as show the condition and progress of education in the several 
States and Territories, and c^ diffusing such information re- 
specting the organization and management of schools and 
school systems and methods of teaching as may aid the i)eople 
of the United States in the establishment and maintenance 
of efficient schools, and of otherwise promoting the cause 
of education throughout the country. The management of 
the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed 
by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

The Commissioner was required to report annually to Con- 
gress the results of his investigations and labors, together 
with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would 
in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- 
ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the 
department to a bureau, to be called the " OflSce of Educa- 
tion,'* under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 



144 



departme>;t of the interior. 



SuEVEY OP THE TERRITORIES. — Office 2d National Bank 
Building, 7th st. bet. E and F sts. N. W., {open every day, 
except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 2>p. m.) Here will be found 
a complete and interesting collection of sketches and maps, 
also photographs, by W. H, Jackson, taken during the 
various expeditions inaugurated in 1867, and conducted 
under the command and scientilic dil-ection of Dr. F. V. 
Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- 
venson, his associate. The collection includes tlie Yellow- 
stone region, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, and 1000 neg- 
atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. 

Secretaries of the Interior.— 1.2,4^, Thomas Ewing, Ohio ; 1850, Thos. M. 
T. McKenna, Penna.; 1850, A. H. H. Stuart, Va.; 1853, Robert McClelland, 
Mich.; 1S57, J. Thompson, Miss.; 1861, C. B. Smith, Ind ; 1863 J. P. Usher, 
Ind., 1865, James Harlan, lo ; 1866, O. H. Browning, 111.; 1869, J. D. Cox| 
Ohio; 1871, Columbus Delano, Ohio; 1875, Zachariah Chandler, Mich.; 1877, 
Carl Schurz, Mo. 

Hi^-rw \ o\ rnK DhPAKTMENT — The act of March 3, 1849, created a home 
dt^p.-rtnic lit, t,. u^ c.lkd ilie l)tpartment of the Interior, the head of which 
\v,is tj be ca.lc i tS • Sccrci.iry of the Interior, to be appointed by the Presi- 
dent with ihi^ :iilvic(: ..nd ociisci;! of the Senate, and is e.v officio a member of 
the Cabinet. He is ch,;rgcd with the administration of nffairs relating to the 
Territories o( the United States, patents, publij !and.^, pensiw'ns, Indian.<^, cen- 
sus, education, and tUe beneficiary asylums in the District of Columbia be- 
longing to the Government, and has supervisory control over the architect cm' 
the Capitol. 




PATENT OITICE. 



The Patent Office occupies two squares, extending from 
7th to 9th sts. W. and from F to G sts. N"., and is about equi- 
distant^ f rom the capitol and the President's House. It may- 
be reached from either by the Metropolitan or F-st. Tiorse rail- 
way. The 7th-st. horse cars pass it on the E. The inain cm- 
trance is on F st.^ andfro7its Sth st. facing south. 



PATENT OFFICE. 146 

Description. — This immense pile, situiitec] on the reserva- 
tion set apart in tlie old plan of tlie city for the National 
Church or Mausoleum, is pure Grecian Doric, of massive pro- 
portions, and measures 453 ft. from E. to W. and 331 ft. from 
N". to S., inclnding the projections of the portico, and has an 
elevation of 75 ft., surmounted by an acroteria. The build- 
ing contains 191 rooms and cost $2,700,000. The reservation 
(8j '.ipon which it stands embraces 4^ a., and the structure 
itself covers 2| a. 

The original structure^ commenced in 1837 3"^ finished in 1842, was 170 ft. front 
on F St. and 70 ft. deep, or 150 ft. includiug S. portico and N. apse, and was built of 
freestone from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek. It was designed by W. P. 
Elliott, (Elliott & Town, engineers) and executed by Robert Mills. The E. IVing 
was authorized in 1849, commenced by Robert Mills, who was succeeded in l8?i by 
Edward Clark, then assistant and later architect of the Capitol, who completed the 
building in 1864. It consists of two wings, on the E. and W., and an intervening 
building on the N., corresponding with the old structure on the S., the whole form- 
ing on an interior quadrangle 265 ft. by 135 ft. The E. Wing was occupied by the 
Secretary of the Interior in 1853. The new portions of the building are of Mary- 
land marble on the exterior and New England granite on the quadrangle. Th« 
original building is painted white to harmonize with the extension. The edifice 
rests on a jwi-iajeofgranttc, above which is a basement of the material of the super- 
struciure, after which rises the order, pierced with two stories of windows, the 
whole surmounted by an acroteria to correspond with the earlier portion of the 
structure. The ext(i|lor is entirely without display. The absence of ornament 
about the windows will be observed. A depression in the configuration of the site 
of the building brings the sub-basement into view on 9th st. On 7th st. the level is 
on a line with the basement. Between the streets and the building on the S. E. and 
W. are small lawns and evergreens. 

On the S., facing 8th st. W., is an 'impom\g portico^ ap- 
proached by a lofty flight of granite steps which abut against 
proportionate blockings of the same material. The portico 
rests on a substruction of masonry, and is compo.sed of two 
rows of 8 Doric columns, tinted, 6 ft. in diameter and 32 ft. 
high, raised in sections and flanked b}^ immense pilasters. 
Tt is modeled after the Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva, at 
Athens, and is of the same dimensions. A careful stud}'" of 
its proportions must impress the beholder with its grandeur. 
On tlie E. i^ fi portico of a single row of six columns, and also 
reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the 
X. is a portico of 8 columns in a single row. The steps here 
do not ascend to the ord^r, but to the base of the line of piers 
upon which the portico stands. From this a door enters the 
basement. On the W. the portico corresponds with thac on 
the E., with the absence of the steps to the order, iii this case 
the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the 
E. Wing there are 4 doors entering the basement, 2 of which 
are on the N". and S. 

From the main portico a door opens into a spacious en- 
trance hall or vestibule, with an arched ceiling groined on 8 
Doric columns and 10 pilasters: On the r. and 1. runs a 
fH)rridor, which extends entirely around the main floor of 



References to the Plan of the Mouei. Museum Kalls. — A, main , n- 
trance; B, Superintendent of Model Rooms ; C, Store-room ; D, Photo-liiti..- 
graphe'r's Room; E, Photo-lithographer's Room: F. Ladies' Retiring Ro im • 



m9 •99 



WmWW DDDQDDQDDDiaOQQQaDDDa OaOQII 

iDiDDa.nQOODDDQiaDaaDaDnaQaj]B| 




raL'erv Library of Patent Office Documents : G, Room for L^aoelmg Mod 
els 2^i//^S Store Room ; H, Entrance from Basement West Front; I, 
DraughrsmTn's Room; Gai^ery, Store Room; J, Store Room; Galie^v 
Store Room. 



PATENT OFFICE. 147 

the building, and upon which open the various offices of 
the Department of the Interior. [For description of those of 
interest see Department of the Interior, page 142.] 

The visitor can make the entire circuit of the building 
by this corridor. In each angle are granite steps to the base- 
ment, where are offices and storage vaults. From the S. 
entrance and vestibule a, double Qight of steps leads to the 
Museum of Models of the Patent Office ; beneath this to the 
basement. 

Museum of Models. — (Open every day^ except Sundays 
and holidays^ from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) This interesting 
collection of American and foreign inventions, patented 
under the law^s of the United States, embraces upwards 
of 155,000 models, accumulated since the fire of 1836, and 
divided into 145 general clases, and nearly 8,000 relevant 
subdivisions. The Museum occupies a suite of four magnifi- 
cent halls on the four sides of the building, second floor. 
Each case contains an index card. 

See Keim's Illustrated Guide to the Museum of 
Models, Patent Office, for a catalogue of models and 
historv of the most notable inventions. 



Copyright^ 1874, DtB. R. Keim. 

SOUTH HALf. MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFIOX. 



148 PATENT OFFICE. 

S. Hall, (entrance.) — This is a superb apartment, 242 ft. 
long by 63 ft. wide and 30 ft. high. The prospect is broken 
b}^ 36 doric columns in quadruple rows, with their entablature, 
20 ft. high, and corresponding pilasters, which support a se- 
ries of groined arches of 10 ft. spring, artistically adjusted to 
secure both solidity and effect. In the centre is a raised arch 
40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- 
ture of is ft. in diameter. This part of the ceiling is admi- 
rably adapted to harmonize the range of arches on either side 
witli the main design. The entire complicated structure of 
the room is of solid masonry. The general style of decora- 
tion is Fompeiian, with appropriate adaptation. The iron 
stairway opposite the door leads to a storage room over the S. 
portico, used for documents. Xear the entrance door are a 
number of relics of historic value and interest. On the r. is 
the printing-press of Franklin, at which he worked in London 
in 1728. The case, nearly opposite, (No. 24,) contains a num- 
ber of Washington relics, including a set of china and cande- 
labra, presented to him by officers of the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati; one plate to Martha Washington from Gen. Lafayette, 
1781 ; the uniform of Washington, worn when he resigned 
his commission in 1783 ; a tea-board presented him, and his 
sword, secretary, cane, compass, and sleeping-tent. Among 
other relics in the same case is the coat worn by Jackson at 
the battle of 'New Orleans ; Baron de Kalb's war saddle ; a 
sword presented to Commodore Biddle by the Viceroy of 
Peru ; sabres from Ali Pacha, Bey of Egypt, to the officers 
of the U. S. ship Concord, 1832 ; a coat of Gen. Paez, associ- 
ate of Simon Bolivar, and a cimeter. The case (No. 23) next 
on the W. contains the original of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, 
dated at Philadelphia, June 19, 1775, treasure chest, furni- 
ture, part of a set, tents and tent poles, camp chest, andirons, 
curtains worked by Martha Washington, and two chairs. In 
the same case are two guns of antique pattern, presented to 
President Jefferson by the Emperor of Morocco, a model pat- 
ented by Abraham Lincoln in 1847, for an improved method 
of lifting vessels over shoals ; also a pair of gloves which be- 
longed to President Lincoln. In the S. hall are 57 cases con- ; 
taining models of artificial limbs, beer and wine, bleaching 
and dyeing, boots and shoes, caoutchouc, chemical miscella- 
neous, clasrps and buckles, clay, coffin, cutlery, dental, draft- 
ing, electricity^ fuel, gas, gunpowder, harness, horology, hose 
and belting, ice, leather, manures, measuring-instruments, 
oils, fats and glue, optics, paint, plating, preserving food, 
signals, stills, sugar, surgery, tanning, trunks. This hall was 
originally intended for an exhibition of home mannfactures 



PATENT OFFICE. 



149 



This hall was originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures. In 
1842 it was set apart for the valuable collections in natural history brought back by 
the expedition of Commodore, afterwards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These 
were subsequently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithsonian building. 
Later the plants, herbarium, and crania were transferred to the Botanical Garden 
and Agricultural and Medical Museums respectively. In the hall were also a nura« 
her of interesting objects possessing historical associations, contributed by the vari- 
ous executive departments, or belonging to the National Institute, founded 1840, 
tDcorporated 1842, and expired 1858. 




^.M. NICHOLS. Sil. 

C»fyright^ 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

EAST HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICB. 

E. Hall.— On the 1. the S. hall opens into the E. hall, 271 
ft. long and 63|^ ft. wide. The groined arches of the ceiling 
rest upon 28 marble piers and a requisite number of pilasters. 
It contains 130 cases, containing models of apparel, beds, 
boats, book-binding, builders' hai-dware, carding, cloth, cord- 
age, crinoline and corsets, dryers and kilns, educational, felt- 
ing and hats, fine arts, fire-arms, fishing, furniture, games and 
toys, governors, jewelry, kitchen utensils, knitting and net- 
ting, lamps and gas-fitting, laundry, locks and latches, music, 
ordnance, papei--making,' paper manufactures, photography, 
printing, projectiles, safes, sewing machines, ships, (2 classes,) 
silk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- 
naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans, valves, weavino;. 



150 



PATE INT Ot^iTICE. 




Copyright, 187 i : DeB. E.Keim. 

NORTH AND WEST HALLS MODEL MUSEUM, PATKNT OFFIB. 

N. Hall, reuohed from the E. hall, is 266 ft. lono- by 59^ 
wide. The vast i-oom is covered by a paneled 'ceiling" com- 
posed of iron i,ai-ders, and entirely without support in tlie hall. 
The number of cases here are 88, containinj^ models of aera- 
tion and bottling, baths and closets, bee hives, bolts, nuts, 
and rivets, brakes and gins, casting, dair3\ files, garden and 
orchard, grinding and polishing, hardware manufacture, har- 
rows, harvesters, horse shoes; metallurgy, metal working, (7 
classes,) mills, nails, needles and pins, ores, plows, pneumat- 
ics, pumps, railways, (4 classes,) saws, seeders and planters, 
sheet metal, stabling, tubing and wire, water distribution, 
water wheels, wire-working, wood-screws, wood-working, (4 
classes.) 

IV. Hall is 271 ft. long, 64 ft. wide, and is the same in gen- 
eral design as the I^. It contains models of bridges, brushes 
and brooms, butchering, carpentry, carriages and wagons, 
excavators, fences, glass, hoisting, hy^lraulic engineering, 
journals and bearings, masonry, mechanical powers, paving, 
presses, roofing, stone, lime and cement, thresliing, tobacco. 

OommissionerS of Patent^. — 1836, Henry L. Ellswonh, Conn.j 1845; 
Edmund Burke, Vt. ; 1849, Thomas Ewbanlc, N. Y. ; 1852, S. H. Hodges, Vt. , 
i85i, R. C. Vv'eightman, D. C, 'acting:;) 18^3, Charki Mason, Iowa; 1857, 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 

aamucl T. Shugeit, Penn , (acting;) 1857, Joseph Holt, Ky. ; 1859, "'• T. Shugert, 
Penn., (acting;) 1859, William D. Bishop, Conn.; i860, Philip F. Thomas, 
Md. ; i860, Samuel T. Shugert, Penn., (acting;) 1861, D. P. Holloway, Ind. ; 
1865, T. C. Theakcr, Ohio; 1868, A. M. Stout, Ky., (acting;) 1868, S. H. Hodges, 
Vt., (acting;) 1868, E. Foote, N. Y. ; 1869, S. S. Fisher, Ohio; 1870, Samael L. 
Duncan, N. H., (acting;) 1871, Mortimer D. Leggctt, Ohio; 1874, I. M. Thachcr, 
Vt 1876, R. H. Duell, N. Y 

History. — The patent Office of the United States, where models oi all jnrcn- 
tions patented since the fire of 1836 are carefully preserved for reference and exhibi- 
tion, is an institution without an equal in the world, and speaks more for the high 
character and practical basis of the American mind than could be expressed in vol- 
umes of written history or description. We are able here to trace, in practical detail, 
the progress of mechanical arts in the United States, since iSj6, and but for the un- 
fortunate destruction of the early models, this same interesting investigation could 
be carried back to the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in Con- 
gress on the subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to promote the progress of use- 
ful arts, which authorized any person to petition the heads of any of the executive 
departments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were then recorded 
in the office of the Secretary of State. 

The rapid increase in the number of inventions early led Congress into special 
provisions for the accommodation of the Patent Office. In 1810 the erection or pur- 
chase of a suitable building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of the 
patents and arrangement of the models was authorized. Under this authority a 
structure known as Blodgett's Hotel, on the E. st side of the present site of the Gen- 
eral Post Office, was secured. Up to 1820 all applications for patents were exam- 
ined by a clerk in the office of the Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton, 
appointed by President Jeiferson to issue patents, took upon himself the title of 
Superintendent of the Patent Office. Under the act of July 4, 1S36, the Patent 
Office was created a separate bureau in the Department of the Interior, and its chief 
officer received the title of Commissioner of Patents. 

On Dec. 15, 1836, the building then occupied was completely consumed by fire, 
and among the losses were the models accumulated during a half century, and num- 
bering upwards of 4,000. This was an irreparable calamity. After the fire the busi- 
ness of the bureau was transacted in the City Hall, now the District Court House, 
and remained there until it was removed to its present edifice. 

The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July 31, 1790, "for making 
pot or pearl ashes." No residence is given. 

Up to ^36, 46 years, 10,301 patents were issued, and to date over 155,000. The 
annual number of patents granted is about 13,000. 

The patent fund, from excess of fees over expenditures, amounts to about $800,- 
000. The annual receipts are about $700,000, and expenditures $660,000. A con- 
siderable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection of the building. 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 

The General Post Office {open every day^ except Sunday^ 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands opposite tlie Patent Office, 
on F St., and covers the square between 7th and 8th sts. W. 
and E and F sts. X. It may be reached by the F-st. horst 
cars from the E. and W., and those on 7th st. from the N. 
and S. parts of the citj^ 

The BTlilding occupied by the General Post Office is Cor- 
inthian. The E St. portion was commenced in 1839, and 
fini.shed by Robert Mills, architect, and constructed of marble 
from ^N'ew York quarries. In 1842 Congress purchased the 



152 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 



N. half of the square to F st., and in 1855 the extension of the 
building over that space was executed bj'^ Captain M. C. 
Meigs, United States Engineers, superintendent, and Edward 
Clark, assistant, from designs by T. U. Walter, architect of 
the Capitol, and was built out of Maryland marble. As thus 
completed, the building measures 300 ft. N. and S., and 204 
ft. E. and W., and has two stories, resting on a rustic base- 
ment, below which are vaults. In the centre is a court 194 
ft. long by 95 ft. wide. The fa9ades are of white marble. 
The court is faced with granite. Above the basement rise 
the various features of the order, including monolithic col- 
umns and pilasters, with beautifully-worked capitals, the 
whole extending through two stories, upon which rest the 
architrave, frieze, and cornice, crowned by a paneled acro- 
teria. The main front is on E st. The S. or main entrance 
is in the basement, reached by marble steps, and is formed 
of two Doric columns, one on either side, and opens into a 
vestibule, on the r. and 1. of which are corridors, leading to 
marble staircases to the upper stories. Over this entrance 
are four attached columns of the Corinthian order. The E. 
front is broken by a central projection of six columns, the 
outer ones being coupled; and on either side, towards the 
extremities of this front, is a smaller projection of four at- 
tached columns, coupled. Beneath the central projection is 




GENERAL POST OFITCK. 

a vestibule, supported on four Doric columns and four corner 
piers. The ceiling, walls, and floor are finished in white 
marble, and on either side is a niche. The W. front is the 
same as the E. A carriageway here opens into the court, 
where the mails are received and despatched. Th keystone 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 153 

of the arch of this entranoe is intended to represent Fidelity. 
On either side are figures in basso relievo, symbolizing Steam 
and Electricity. 

The N". front presents a recessed portico, consisting of 8 
coupled columns resting on an arcade of rustic piers corres- 
ponding with the basement. There are entrances to the 
general oflEice on the r. and 1. of the central arcade, and from 
which passages or steps lead to the corridors on the same floor 
or above. The corridors are on three sides only. The build- 
ing cost $1,700,000. 

The Postmaster GeneraVs office is on the floor above the 
basement, S. side of S. corridor. Here may be seen a set of 
photographs of the Postmasters General. The Dead Letter 
office is on the IS", side, entered from the N". end of the E. 
corridor through a passage or anteroom. To gain admission 
it will be necessary to procure a permit from the chief clerk 
of the Finance oflice, on the same floor and in the SW. angle. 
The building contains 81 rooms. The stairways are in the . 
angles of the building. 

City Post Office. — The City Post Office occupies the cen- 
tral portions of the ]^. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp 
department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under 
the N. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and brick, is 
supported on granite piers. The doors on the r. and i., out- 
side, before entering, lead, in addition to the corridors and 
stairways, to the Chief Clerk's and Money Order and Regis- 
tered Letter offices respectively, (See General Information.) 

History. — Before the erection of the present edifice the 
General Post Oflice occupied a building which stood on the 
S. half of the square- known as Blodgett's Union Public 
Hotel. It was 120 ft.' long, 50 ft. wide, and 3 stories high ; 
designed by James Hoban, and built of brick, ornamented 
with freestone. It whs commenced in 1793. The structure, 
however, Avas never completed by its pi-ojector. The plan 
was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner 
of the prize ticket was an orphan child, who was without the 
means of carrying on the work. The theatre of the national 
metropolis held performances in it for a time. A number of 
Ii'ish and otlier emigrants also occupied the basement free of 
rent. In 1810 it was purchased by the Government. ^ After 
the burning of the Capitol, Congress held one session in it as 
the only suitable building in the city. It was also occupied 
by the "General and City Post Offices. Patent Office, and Li- 
brary of Congress. The latter was removed to the Capitol 
in 1818. The building and contents were entirely destroyed 



154 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

by fire on Dec. 15, 1836. Priv.^te buildings were subsequently occupied till 
the completion of the present structure. 

Postmasters General. — 17S9, Samuel Osgood, Mass ; 1791, Timothy 
Pickering, Mass.; 1795, Joseph Habersham, Ga.; 1802, Gideon Granger, 
Conn.; 1S14, R. J. Meigs, Ohio ; 1823, John McLean, Ohio ; 1829, W. T. 
Barry, Ky.; 1835, Amos Kendall, Ky.; 1840, J. M. Niles, Conn.; 1841, Fran- 
cis Granger, N. Y.; i84i,C.A. Wickliffe, Ky.; 1S45, Cave Johnson, Tenn.; 
1849, Jacob CoUamer, Vt.: 1850, N. K. Hall, N. Y.; 1852, S. D. Hubbard, 
Conn.; 1853. James Campbell, Penn.; 1857, A. V. Brown, Tenn.; 1850, J. 
Holt Ky.; 1861, Horatio King, Me.; 1861, Montgomery Blair, Md.; 1864, 
W. Dennison, Ohio; 1866, A. W. Randall, Wis.; 1869, J. A. J. Cresswell. 
Md.; 1874, Marshall Jewell, Conn.;i876, J. W. Tyner, Ind ; 1877, D. M. Key, 
Tenn., Dem. 

The General Post Office. — On Sept. 22, 17S9, Congress passed an act 
for the temporary establishment of the Post Ofhce, with the same power as 
under the Confederation. In 1792 a ''General Post Office'' was permanently 
established, under immediate direction of a Postmaster General, who was 
authorized to provide for carrying the mail of the United States ''bj' stage- 
carriages or horses." From this primitive beginning the operations of the 
General Post Office have expanded to a degree fully up to the requirements 
of the increased population and intelligence of the people. 

The Postmaster General, appointed by and responsible to the President, is 
ex-qfficto a member of the Cabinet. Previous to 1829 he was not so recognized. 
The precedent was established by President Jackson, who invited Postmaster 
General Barry to a seat in the Cabinet. 



DEPAKTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

The Department of Justice yo-pen every day, except Sun- 
day, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies the upper floors of a 
fine building on Pennsylvania av., between 15 and 15i 
sts., and opposite the Treasury Department, erected by 
the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The entrance 
is at the W. end, S. front. 

Objects of Interest. — The Gallery of Paintmgs of titie 
Attorneys General of the United States, is in the Attorney 
General's room, S. E. corner 2d floor, in the Assistant At- 
torney General's rooms, No, 9 and 15, and tlie Solicitor 
General's room. No. 11, all 3d floor. The portrait of Ed- 
mund Randolph, of Va., the first on the list, i.s from an 
original. That of William Pinkney, of Md., is from Peale. 

Attor^ieys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va.; 1794, William Brad- 
ford, Penn.; 1795, Charles Lee, Va.; iSoi, Levi Lincoln, Mass.; 1805, Robert 
Smith. Md.; 1805, John Breckenridge, Ky.; 1807, Csesar A. Rodney, Del.: 
i8iT, William Pinkney, Md.; 1814, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1817. William Wirt, 
Va.; 1829, J. M. Berrien, Ga.; 1831, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1833, B. F. 
Butler, N.Y.; 1838, FeHx Grundy, Tenn.: 1840, H. D. Gilpin, Penn.; 1841, 
J. J. Crittenden, Ky,; 1841, H. S. LegarS, S. C.; 1843, John Nelson, Md.; 
1845, John Y. Mason, Va.; 1846, Nathan Cliflford, Me.; 1848, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn.; 1849, Reverdy Johnson, Md.; 1850, J. J. Crittenden, Ky.; 1853, 
Caleb Gushing, Mass.; 1857, Jer. S. Black, Penn.; i860, E. M. Stanton, 
Penn.; 1861, Edward Bates. Mo.; 1864 James Speed, Ky.; 1S66 Henry 
Stanbery, Ohio; 1868, W. M. Evarts, N. Y. ; 1869, E. C. Hoar, Mass.; 
1870, A. T. Ackerman, Ga.; 1872,0. H. Williams, Oregon ; 1875, Edwards 
Pierrepont, N. Y.; 1876, Alphonso Taft, Ohio ; 1877, Charles Devens, Mass. 



DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 



165 



History of the Department.— This Executive Department, of which the 
Attorney General is ttie head, was created by act of Congress approved June 
^2, 1870. All prosecutions on behalf of the Government are conducted by this 
department. The Attorney General reports annually to Congress-.the business 
of his department, and any other matters appertaining thereto that he deems 
proper, including statistics of crime under the laws of the United States, and 
as far as practicable, under the laws of the several States. The Attorney 




DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

(Freedman's Bank Rented,) 
General is also required to give his advice and opinion upon all questions or 
law, when asked for by the President of the United States, or when requested 
by the heads of the Executive Departments. He is appointed by the Presi- 
dent, and is ejc officio a member of his Cabinet. 

Under the Attorney General are the officers of the District and Circuit 
Courts of the United States, the Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail 
of the District of Columbia, and the lav/ officers of the different departments. 



156 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



DEPAKTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

The Department of Agriculture {open daily ^ except Sunday, 
from 9 a.m.toSp. m.) occupies that portion of the Mall lying 
E. of 14th St., and between the Washington Monument and 
the Smithson Ian Institution . The building commands a view 
•of the business quarter of the citj^ and in turn itself makes a 
fine appearance from 13th st. W., which it faces. 

G-rounds. — The grounds in the immediate vicinity of the 
building are beautifully laid out. On the N. front is a con- 
creted surface the entire length of the building, and 50 ft. 
wide, which makes a spacious carriageway to the main en- 
trance, and is also used by pedestrians. A terrace wall 
about 4 ft. high, ornamented with stone balusters and pedi- 
ments with plant vases, i-uns the length and parallel with 
the front of the building, and at a distance of about 100 yds. 
At each extremity of the wall is a small iron pavilion of 
suitable design. The terrace divides what are known as the 
Upper and Lower Gardens. The former is laid out in beds, 
with intervening walks, and is devoted to flowers, vases, and 
rustic statuary. The lower, and all the grounds lying in 
front of the building line, with the exception of the flower 
garden, have been laid out as an arhoretum., with walks and 
drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and 
shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which 
iiff'ords an unbroken view of the building. The trees and 
plants in the arboretum are planted on strictly botanical 
rules, the order and tribe of plants being grouped. The 
effect, however, by careful arrangement of the blending 
types is peculiarly atttactive, and has not the formal appear- 
ance of a scientific classification. 

The collection embraces 1,600 species of plants. In the 
rear of the department building and plant houses are the 
Experimental Grounds., covering about 10 a., those lying in 
the rear of the plant houses being set apart for experimental 
gardening, and those in the rear of the buildisig, and occu- 
pying the SE. angle of the enclosure, for the experimental 
orchards and stables and 5^ard. The object of these grounds 
is for testing varieties of small fruits, seeds, and for the prop- 
agation and culture of hardy plants. Along portion of the 
if. line of the grounds, conniiencing at the W., are artificial 
lakes., rivers., and swamps, for the cultivation of type varieties 
of water and marsh plants. The plans for the grading and 
laying out of the grounds were prepared and carried into 



158 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



execution in 188'S, by William Saniiders, of Peiin., Superin- 
tendent of Gardens and Grounds. (Also see Plant Houses.) 
The Department Bnildino-, designed by Adolpli Cluss, ar- 
chitect, and completed in 1868, is of the renaissance style, 170 
ft. long- by ni ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full 
stories and Mansard roof. It was erected by contract, under 
the superintencenee of the ai'chitect, is constructed of pressed 
brick, with bi'own-stone bases, belts, cornices, and trimmings, 
and cost, including apparatus for laboratory, $140,420. The 
front presents a centre building with main entrances, and is 
flanked by two wings. 




DEPARTMENT OF AGRICCLTURE — FIRST FLOOR. 

A. Main Entrance. — Doors^ oak and ash woods Vestibule^ 20 ft. square and 
16 ft, high. Floors^ encaustic tiles cf chaste design. Walls^ paneled in encaus'.lc 
paint. Ceilings, in frescoe, representing an arbor of vine foliage held by American 
eagles, with outspread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque, mingled with four 
medallions, illustrating, in landscape, light and shade and human figures, the four 
seasons of the year, divisions of the day, and ages of man. 

B. Main Staircase leading to the second floor and Museum of Agriculture. 

C and D. Private Stairs to the second floor and passage to cloak rooms and closets. 
The vestibule (A) opens into a wide corridor, from which the various offices, 2.0 ft. 
square, are entered. 

I. Ante Room, finished in bird's -eye maple and black walnut, in panels., and 
represents a fine specimen of the application of wood to walls, known as "wood- 
hanging." 

z. Commissioner of Agriculture, finished in panels of bird's eye maple, bor- 
dered by friezes in mahogany and blistered walnut, alternating with paneled 
pilasters in mahogany and satin wood, all parted by curley maple, and relieved by 
a tracing of gilt. 

3. Private Office of Commissioner. The friezes are of birch, borders of 
black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. 

4. Library, A tastefully finished apartment, supplied with mahogany cases. 
The collection of works, S,ooo vols,, forms the most complete agricultural library in 
the United States, and comprises nearly all the standard works on agriculture and 
kindred sciences, reports of all the State boards of agriculture, and agricultural, horti- 
cuimial, and pomological societies, and the transactions of the leading agricultural 
and soidntific associations of England, France, Germany, and Italy. The object of 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



159 



the Library is for "eference and used in the extensive correspondence of the Depart- 
ment. Persons interested are permitted to consult works, but not to take them 
from the room. Among the most interesting works is a set, 14 vols., on botany, 
illustrating the flora of Central Europe, published in Vienna, and presented by the 
Emperor of Austria. There are also portraits of a number of personages, among 
the number Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, the distinguished horticulturist. 

5 to 8. Clerks' Rooms, finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with frescoed 
ceilings. 

9. Chemist and Microcopist Room, is supplied with cases containing a collec- 
tion of minerals having an agricultural value. The chemist makes analyses of soils, 
fertilizers, and agricultural productions. The results are recorded for future refer- 
ence. The microscopist examines and reports upon the diseases of plants. 

10. Balance Room, contains a variety of balances used in the chemical work. 

11. Laboratory, supplied with chemicals and other apparatus used in chemical 
experiments. A private stairway leads to the basement below, in which are fur- 
nances, ovens, and other necessary conveniences. The equipment of the Laboratory 
is very complete. 

12. File Room. 

13 and 14. Clerk's Room, finished in encaustic paint. 



20 



^ 



21 

1 11,11 III 


18 



17 



B Mr-1 



19 



15 n 



mm A 



\- 



16 



I)EPART.MENT OF AGRICULTURE, SECOND FLOOR. 

A. Stairs to the Botanical Museum^ Taxidermist^ s, and Modeler^ s Rooms. 

B. Stairs to clerk's rooms. 

15. Museum of Agriculture. — Opposite the main entrance below, a double 
flight of stairs of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass window, 
leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of Agriculture. On the first landing 
is 2i plank 12. X 63/3 ft from the giant redwood tree of California. The Museum Hall 
occupies the main building, and is 102 ft. long, 52 ft. wide, and 27 ft. high. A covea 
stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, 'broken at regular intervals by brack- 
ets, in which are wrought busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented by flowers and 
fruits, with medallion shields bearing the arms of the United States, and the States 
of the Union in 1868 in their chronological order. The c«i7/«j- is divided into 15 
panels, embellished with rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the ornamenta- 
tion of the hall, is employed generally on the walls. For the accommodation and 
security of the agricultrual collection, the hall has been supplied with dust-proof wa/- 
nut cases of chaste design. 

The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) shows the agricultural 
productions of the United States, and manufactures therefrom, also how the former 
are aff^scted by climate, insects, birds, and animals— injurious and beneficial. It is 
divided into general. State, and economic. The general division illustrates the his- 
tory of agricultural products. The fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of 
Paris, and colored in oil, to represent nature. The State and economic divisions, 
when completed, will show in a single case the mineral and agricultural productions, 



160 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE. 

and economic substances manutactured therefrom, of each State. ^ The principal ob- 
ject ef the museum is utility, to ificlude all the products of agriculture, and bearihg 
upon the increase of knowledge in that important branch of industry. 

In the centre of the hall is a table of California redwood jxiz ft. finished in other 
native woods, and presented by gentlemen in California. The vase on the table is 
made of Coquina or Florida shell rock from St. Augustine, Florida, taken from the 
foundation of the residence of the early Spanish colonial governors. 

Cases North Range commencing on the W. The shelf numbers count from 
below. The injurious birds have a perch with a partly black end, and beneficial^ white. 

I. Not yet erected. It is proposed, however, to place this case shortly. 

a. I, American ducks; 2, American small birds, arranged to show benefit or in- 
jury, with contents of stomachs in small boxes; 3, American hawks and owls. 

3. I, animals- — domestic and farm pests; 2, American game birds; 3, gulls and 
aquatic birds. 

4. Domestic poultry. 

5. I, Fish— prepared skins ; 2 and 3, foreign game birds that can be or have been 
domesticated. 

6. A case has been prepared for this space, and will be erected at once. 

7. Foreign game birds. 

g. California products and miscellaneous specimens. 

9. Grains and cereals — native. 

10. Grains and cereals— native. The middle and upper shelve* arranged by 
States. 

II. I and 2, Temporary case of botanical specimens. 
12. I, Vegetable fibres — cotton. 

Cases South Range commencing on the E. 

12. Foreign woods, &c. 

13. I and 2, Foreign grains, collected at the Paris Exposition 1867J j, miscella'- 
neous. 

14. I, Petroleum, tobacco; 2, sugar, syrups, &c., Indian foods; 3, farinaceous 
products, gums, resins, &c. 

15. I Chinese paper; 2, American and foreign paper and paper-making mate- 
rials; 3, Japanese paper. 

16. Silk from egg to manufactured goods of highest quality. 

17. I, Animal fibres, angora wool; 2, vegetable fibres, ramie and aloes; 3, vege- 
table fibres, miscellaneous. 

18. I, Vegetable fibres, cotton; 2, flax, flax cotton, asclepias; 3, New Zealand 
flax, agaue fibre and miscellaneous tropical fibres. In a case against the wall is a fine 
specimen of the cotton plant. 

19. The case designed for this space has not yet been erected. 

Centre of the Hall, commencing on the west. 

20. I, Tropical fruits — southern apples; 2, apples, (models.) 

21. I, Vegetables, (models ;j 2, apples and pears, (models.) 

22. I, Vegetable, apples, fish, (models;) 2, pears, (models.) 

23. I, Vegetables and fruits, (models;) 2, miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, 
(models,) fungi; (models and natural.) 

The plan of the museum was suggested and carried into operatiou by Townend 
Glover, entomologist of the Department. 

16. Statistician. — Here the monthly and annual reports and statistical informa' 
tion are compiled. 

17. Clerks of the Statistical Division. 

18. Ladies' Retiring Room. 
iQ Clerks. 

20. Cabinet of Entomology. — Tne room, 20 x 30 ft., is supplied with suitable 
walnut cases. The collection comprises the insects of -the United States injurious 
and beneficial to .agriculture, arranged scientifically, for reference. In the open 
cases is a small collection of insects for exhibition, and specimens of insect injury 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



161 



»nJ architecture, both ex- 
ceedingly interesting. 
The walls are hung with 
aseries of about i(X) plates, 
by Prof. Townend Glo- 
ver, illustrating the insects 
in the cabinet. 

21. ■ Entomologist's 
Private Room. 

On the third fioor, E. 
wing, reached from A, 
plan of the second floor, 
is the Botanical Museum. 
It is supplied with appro- 
priate cases, and contains 
zoo natural orders and 
25,000 species of plants, a 
space being devoted to 
each order. The speci- 
mens are arranged - on 
sheets and indexed. The 
first collection was trans- 
ferred from the Smithso- 
nian Institution, and 
comprised the specimens 
brought home by the 
Wilke? expedition. The 
specimens gathered by 
the various Tlnited States 
exploring expeditions are 
all deposited here. The 
collection of plants of the 
United States is very com- 
plete. 

The rooms a,djoining 
are occupied by the Tax- 
idermists on the W. and 
Modelers on the S. The 
former has th^ preparation 
of birds for the museum, 
and their care. The latter 
makes models of fruits for 
the museum. 

Over the third floor, W. 
wing, reached from B, 
plan of the second floor, 
the rooms are used for 
clerks. 

Basement — reached 
from B, first floor — con- 
tains Seed Rooms, in west- 
ern portion, and rest Fold- 
ing, Laborers\ and Engi- 
neers^ Rooms, and accom- 
modations for heating ap- 
paratus and fuel. The 
seed-packing department, 
where upwards of 60 per- 
sons are employed, is of 
great interest. 

n 




162 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

Plant Houses — On the W. of the department building' are 
the plant houses^ commenced in 1868 from designs by Wil- 
liam Sannder;^, Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds. 
The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 ft. wide E. and W., 
with a wing 150 long projecting to the rear or S. of the centre 
of the main building. The centre pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 
ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is devoted to palms and the 
larger tropical plants, such as bananas. The pavilions at 
the extremity of the wings are 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, j nd 
are the orangery^ and for other semi-tropical fruits. Th »se 
terminal pavilions are joined to the centre by connect ng 
ranges 100 ft. long, 25 ft. wide, and 17 ft. high, and are - oc- 
cupied by the miscellaneous collection of plants of practi ftl 
use, such as medical plants and those furnishing textile fibr s, 
useful gums, sugars, and dyes. The S. projecting wing is 
the grapery^ and contains a collection of foreign grapes. T e 
roots are planted in borders on the outside, and the stej s 
conducted into the grapery through apertures in the bri 1: 
wall. The dark varieties are on the W. side, and the lig it 
on the E. There are 100 varieties in all. 

The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circulated through 5,000 ft. 
of 4-in pipe, and supplied by two boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-off, 
so that they may be operated separately or together. 

These houses have foundation walls of red sandstone, with bluestone bases and 
caps. The doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in moresque 
arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which the cupola roof rises. The main 
entrance projects from the main building, and hag three arched openings The 
frame of the structure Is of iron and wood substantially built, and cost §25,000. 
The roof is covered with American glass of double thickness, and curved expressly 
for the purpose. 

Commissioners of Agriculture. — 1862, Isaac Newton, Penn.; 1867, John W. Stokes 
Pcnn., (acting;) 1867, Horace Capron, 111.; 1871, Frederick Watts, Penn. 

History— Under act July 4, 1836, Henry L.Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents, 
gave attention to the distribution of rare grains, seeds, and plants, in the collection 
of which he was aided by the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States 
in foreign countries. In 1839 $1,000 '^ere appropriated for the purpose. This gave 
rise to the agricultural division of the Patent Office. ^ , . •■ j 

In 1858 a Propagating Garden was established on that portion of the public grounds 
lying along the S. side of Missouri av., bet. 4'/^ and 6th sts. N., for the purpose of 
testing sorghum and Chinese sugar cane. In 1868 these operations were removed 
to the present more extensive grounds. , , ,, t. 

The Department of Agriculture was established by act of Congress dated May I5, 
1862, '■'•to acquire and diffuse among the people of the United States useful infor- 
mation on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehen- 
sive sense ot that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people 
new and valuable seeds and plants." The chief executive officer was to be known 
as the Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by the President and conhrmed 
by the Senate. The Department, before occupying its present abode, had rooms m 
the basement of the Patent Office. j , .,^ 

There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 packagesof seeds, and 25,000 
bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. 

TYiQ publications cf the Department consist of an annual re/xiriof about 700 pages 
octavo, 227,000 to 275,000 printed for distribution, and monthly reports of about 4S 
pages octavo, on the condition of the crops. 28,000 printed. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



163 



NAVAL OBSEKVATORY. 

The United States ISTaval Observatory is one of the leading 
astronomical establishments in tlie world. It is open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to ^ p. m. The watchman 
wiU show visitors tlirough the building. Night visits are very 
much restricted in consequence of the interference loith the 
astronomical ivork. The street cars on Penns^ylvania av. rim 
within 10 min. walk. Alight at 24th st. W., south side. Vis- 
itors afoot may reach the Observatory by following ISTew 
York av. W. of the State, War, and jSTavy Department to E 
St. ISr., thence by the latter to 24th st. "VV! 

Grounds, — The Observatory occupies a commanding site 
on the N. bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, and origin- 
ally known as Peters'' Hill, after its proprietor. The beauti- 
ful groimds comprise 19 a. within the walls, and constitute 
Keservation No. 4 on tlie original plat of the cit^^ 




NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

There are many interesting historical associations connected with the site. In 1755 
portion of Braddock's army camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal 
field on the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is a rock upon which the troops 
were landed, and known as Braddock's rock. In 179Z it was proposed to erect a/orf 
and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was a favorite project with 
Washington to establish a national university here. The grounds were named Uni- 
versity Square from this fact. In i8i3-''i4 part of the American army encamped on 
the hill, from which fact it was long known as Camp Hill., and advanced to Bladens- 
burg for the defense of the city against the English. 

The Observatory, founded in 1842, is under the direction of 
the Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department. The reserva- 
tion in the centre of which it stands was selected for the pur- 
pose by President Tyler. 

Buildings. — The central building, completed in 1844, is 50 
ft. sq., consisting of a basement and 2 stories, with a crown- 
ing parapet and balustrade, and is sui-mounted by a dome. 



164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

On the E. and W. ai-e wings, each 26^ ft. long, 21 ft. wide, 
and 18 ft. high. At the end of the former is the residence of 
the superintendent, and the latter, an observing-room, 40 ft. 
by 28^ ft., built in 1869. The projection on the S. is 60 ft. 
long, and terminates in the great dome. Visitors are expect- 
ed to register their names in the book opposite the main 
entrance. 

Eooms and Instnimeiits. — The numbers refer to the diagram 
of ground plan. 

I. Pier of Equatorial, brick, imbedded 17 ft. in the earth, conical, is iz ft. 
in diameter at the surface line, 7 ft. at top, 28 ft. high, and is capped with a pedestal 
of stone weighing j}/^ tons. Over the pier is a dome 23 ft. in diameter, rising 20 ft. 
above the roof, and provided with a slip. The dome revolves on six Z4-lb. shot. 
This Equatorial^ purchased in 1845, was made by Merz and Mahler, Munich, cost 
$6,000. Object-glass, 9.62 in., clear aperture; focal length, 14 ft. 4.5 in. Its wori 
is chiefly upon the smaller planets, asteroids, and comets. 

II. Superintendent's Office. — Here is an electro-chronograph^ in a marble case, 
invented by Prof John L. Locke, 1848. It is connected by electric wires with the 
clocks in the Executive Departments, Weather Signal Office, and Western Union 
Telegraph Office. The current is continually passing, the pendulums of all the clocks 
beating together. In the adjacent hall is a superbly-carved black walnut switch-hoard^ 
made by the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, Chicago, and purchased in 
1874. The frame takes no wires, and has j,ooo combinations. Through this the 
clocks, chronographs, and instruments are placed in communication with each othei 
and with the telegraphic system of the world. The old switch-board is opposite. 

III. General Office. IV. Office of Naval Officer in Charge of 
Chronometers. V. Packing-Room. 

VI. Mural Circle and Transit, with clock and chronograph. Mural Cir- 
cle^ made by Troughton & Simms, London, 1843; erected in 1844. Object-glass, 
4.10 in., clear aperture; focal length, 5 ft. 3.8 in. ; diameter at graduation, 60.35 !"■ j 
is divided into every 5 min., and is supplied with reading microscopes. Its use is for 
observing declinations of stars. Transit^ made by Ertel & Son, Munich, 1844; erect- 
ed the same year. Object-glass 5.33 in., clear aperture ; focal length, 7 ft. 0.4 in. 
Used for observing the right ascension of stars. These were the principal instru- 
ments used by Prof. Yarnell in making his Catalogue 0/10,658 Stars. 

VII. Chkonometer-Room, in which the chronometers of the navy, when not 
in actual use, are kept and rated. The average number here is 200. They are 
wound and compared with a standard, daily, and a record kept of their variation by 
the naval officer in charge. In the same room is a standard mean-time cloci^ with 
necessary apparatus, from which at meridian each day exact time is dispatched. The 
naval officer in charge, at 3 min. before noon, connects the clock through the foot 
of the pendulum with electric wires, and at mean noon taps the electric key, simul- 
taneously giving the instant of mean noon to the Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany's offices, and thence all over the U. S. The ball over the Observatory is 
dropped at tne same moment. 

VIII. Libraky. — In 1844 this consisted of 200 vols, of astronomical works, do- 
nated by the Greenwich, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna Observatories. It now com- 
prises 6,000 vols., some very rare, dating in 1482, relating to astronomy, meteorolo- 
gy, and kindred sciences, and is the most complete of the kind on the western hemi- 
sphere. 

IX. SiDERiAL Clock, made by Kessels, of Altona, Germany, is used as the 
standard clock of the Observatory. 

X. Transit Circle, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was first mounted in 
the present Library in 1865. Object-glass, 8 52 in , clear aperture; focal length, 12 
ft. I in.; outer diameter of its circles, 45.30 in., and at the graduation, 43.40 in. 
Both circles are divided to every 2 min., and are fitted v/ith reading microscopes. 
The collimators, for adjusting the instrument, have a foca! Icng'h of 2 ft. 11 in. 
Use: observation of the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. In the same room 
is a chronograph^ made by Alvan Clark & Sons, from designs by Prof. Wm. Hark- 
ness. It records by electric wires the times at which observations, are made. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



165 



XI. Prime Vertical Transit, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was erect- 
ed in 1844. Object-glass, 4.86 in., clear aperture; focal length, 6 ft. 5 in. Is used 
cnly for declinations. 

XII. Machine Shop. XIII. Room of Officer in Charge of thh Great 
Equatorial. XIV. Sleeping Apartment of Officer in Charge of the 
Great Equatorial. 



XV. Great Equatorial, 
mounted in 1873, made by Al- 
van Clark & Sons, Cambridge- 
port, Mass. Object-glass, 26 
in., clear aperture ; focal 
length, 32J^ ft., cost $47,000. 
The rough lump of glass was 
cast by Chance & Co., Birm- 
ingham, England. The in- 
strument rests upon a double 
pier of masonry, imbedded 17 
ft. in the earth. The pier 
above the floor is of brick, 
arched, and has a cap consist- 
ing of a solid block of red sand- 
stone, 8 ft. long by 2 ft. wide 
and high. On top of this is an 
iron support weighing 1,100 
lbs., to receive the axis upon 
which the telescope is mount- 
ed. The instrument with its 
base weighs 6 tons. The in- 




strument IS equatorially 
mounted^ the general plan 
being that devised by Fraun- 
hofer, modified by Messrs. 
Clark and Prof. 3. Newcomb, 
and is run by a reaction water 
wheel. It is fitted with mi- 
chrometers., spectroscopes., &c. 
The tube is of sheet steel, 
rolled in Pittsburgh. There 
IS also a chronograph con- 
nected with the instrument. 
The great equatorial is plac- 
ed in an iron dome 41 ft. in 
diameter and 40 ft. in height, 
erected at a cost of $14,000 
The superstructure rests on 
a stone foundation. Thereof 
is supplied with a slip, re- 
volves on conical wheels, 
and is easily moved horizont- 
ally in either direction hj 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY, GEOXmD PL.VN. 

means of suitable gearing. The instrument is the largest refractor in the world. 
The next in size is in the private observatory of R. 8. Newall, Gateshead, England, 
and has z; in. of clear aperture. 

XVI. Residence of the Superintendent. 

The rooms on the second floor of the mahi biiildin<>- are used 
by officers in charge of the various instruments and their 
assistants. The vieio from the platform around the dome is 
very fine. To the top of the staff over the dome a black can- 
vass hall^ 2^ ft. in diameter, is hoisted daily a few minutes 
before noon, and by means of a steel spring, governed by a 
magnet and operated from the chronometer-room, is dropped 
on the instant of mean noon. 



160 ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

Superiniendenti of the Depot of Charts and Instrument!. — 1850, Lieut. L. 
Goldsborough ; iS] 5, Lieut. Charles Wilkes ; 1836, Lieut. Hitchcock ; 1838, Li 
J. M. Gilliss. Of the Naval Observatory. — 1844, Commander M. F, Mauiy; T •, 
Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 185";, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral ' /. 
Sands; 1874, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis 

History. — The first action of Congress towards the establishment of an ob- va- 
tory was in 1821, in the passage of a joint resolution to ascertain the longitude the 
Capitol from Greenwich, first proposed by Wm. Lambert, of Va., in 1810. I (830 
a bureau., for the care of the instruments and charts of the navy, was creat . A 
small 30-in. transit was erected at the same time. A series of observations wi car- 
ried on in connection with the Wilkes Exploring Ex/iedition, i838-''42. In 842 a 
^'■permanent depot'''' was established. In \%$o the meridian of the Obserz or/ at 
Washington was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and Hat of 
Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of Observatory, 77° 3' 5'',? tV, of 
Greenwich ; lat., 38° 53' 38".8 N. 



ARMY IVIEDICAL MUSEUM. 

The Ai'iny Medical Museum (open every day^ except /Sv day^ 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands on the E. side of 10th & . W., 
about midway between E and F sts. JST. It is a plain hviok 
structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 
109 ft. deep. The building was originally a church, and then 
a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and was the scene of the 
tragedy of April 14, 1865 — tlie assassination of President 
Lincoln. The buildin'g was immediately closed b.y the Gov- 
ernment, and in April, 1866, Congress purchased it for $100,- 
000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. The interior 
was taKcn out, remodeled, and madt rire-proof, under direc- 
tion of Surgeon General Barnes. Tliere is now no trace of 
the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the 
r., about the centre of what is now the second floor. The as- 
sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, wliich occupied 
the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. 
The President was conveyed to the house No. 516, opposite, 
and died in the back room of the first floor. 

On the jST. side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, 
occupied b.y the Museum workshops, and in front, on tlie S. 
side, is another wing, used by the Cliemical Laboratory and 
the ofiicers on duty. The main entrance is in tlie 8. portion 
of tlie front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top 
of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record 
and pension division of the Surgeon Genei-aPs Oflice, contain- 
ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and montlily 
sick reports of the army during the rebellion, 1861-65, and 
are stir received from the various posts of the regular army. 
The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. The payment 
of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- 
ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 

of the 4ead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. 
wing is charged with the examination of alleged adulterations 
of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations 
of a similar nature which come before the Surgeon General. 
The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, 
on this floor, are the offices of the Surgeon General and sw- 
geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Lovel, 
John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) philosophi- 
cal writer on surgery. Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- 
cana., and Dr. Physic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. 

Museum. — The Museum on the third floor is well lighted 
in front and rear and by a large central skylight, wliicli also 
lights the floors below through oblong openings. The attend- 
ant in tlie room will answer questions and point out objects 
of special interest. 

The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 
16,000, and are divided into six sections, viz: I. Surgical 
Section., embracing specimens of the effects of missiles of 
every variety on all parts of the body, extremely interest- 
ing ; the stages of repair ; morbid conditions, calculi, tumors, 
&c. ; plaster^ casts representing mutilations resulting from 
injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex- 
tracted from wounds; preparations exhibiting the efl^ects of 
injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are 
the bones of the amputated portions of the legs of eight 
generals, and a portion of the vertebrae of the neck of Booth, 
the assassin. II. Medical Section., consisting of specimens 
illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in 
fever, chronic dysentery, and other camp diseases ; the mor- 
bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological 
pieces relating to the diseases of women and children, mal- 
formations, and monstrosities. HI. Microscopical Section., 
including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably 
mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- 
tions exhibiting the minute anatomy of normal structures. 
An interesting branch of this section is the success attained 
in photo-micography, the process by which the most delicate 
microscopical preparations can be photographed to a mai»'ni- 
fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section,, 
embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- 
tions of the anatomj^ of the human frame. The collection of 
human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- 
cially relating to the aboriginal race of the United States, is 
very complete, numbering about 1,000 specimens. V. Section 
of Comparative Anatomy., embracing over 1,000 specimens of 
skeletons 01 buffalo, deei-, bear, and other American mammals, 



168 GOVERNMENT PRINTINQ OFFICE. 

with birds, reptiles, and fishes. VI. Miscellaneous Section^ 
including models of hospitals, barracks, ambnlances, and 
medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- 
ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the 
Museum is not to gratify public cm-iosity, but was founded 
and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the finest 
collection of the kind in the world, and is resorted to by sur- 
gical and medical students and ^^Titers from all parts of the 
United States and abroad. The original design of the Museum 
was the collection of specimens illustrative of military surgery 
and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- 
tary service. The Medical and Surgical History of the War 
was compiled from the records of the museum. 



go\^rnme:n't prating office. 

The Grovernment Printing Ofiice and Bindery {open every 
day^ except Sunday^ from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an 
L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of H and IS'orth 
Capitol sts. The Ofiice may be reached by the Columbia 
Horse Railway. Visitors should alight and enter by the door 
nearest IsT. Capitol st. There is also a public entrance on the 
latter st. It will be necessary for strangers to state to the 
watchman at either door that t\\Qj desire to visit the build- 
ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H St., and 175 ft. on 
K. Capitol St., and is 60 ft. deep and four stories high. The 
building, without the addition of an extension of 60 ft. on the 
W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on tlie E. end, made in 1871, was 
purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, 
an ofiice then created under autliority of an act of Congress. 
It had previouslj^ belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was 
then used as a printing ofiice, under the contract system. 
The object of the purchase was the execution of the printing 
and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the 
Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a 
paper warehouse, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, 
wagon shed and stable. 

On t\\Q first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engine 
rooms. The presses include a variety of patterns, and are 
adapted to everj^ species of work. There are 52 in all, from 
the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the 
second floor are the composing-room, with 300 stands, the 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 

proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype foundery, and 
the offices of the Congressional Printer. Ou the third fioor 
is the binder}', inclading embossing, numbering, paging, rul- 
ing, stamping, stitching, marbling, and all other branches. 
The process of marblin'g is jDarticiilarly intei-esting. On the 
fourth floor are the stitc^iing and folding rooms and the Con- 
gressional Record office, with a capacity of working 100 men. 
The Record, containing the proceedings and debates of Con- 
gress, now printed at the Public Printing Office, is issued 
every day at 6 A. M. during the session of Congress. All 
bills and reports, without regard to length, are delivered in 
print to Congress the day following their presentation. 

The Public Printing Office is the largest establishment of 
the kind in the world. The capacity for work is practically 
without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of documentary 
composition and 1,000,000 volumes of that class of work have 
been turned out in a single year. The finest works printed 
here are the Medical and Surgical History of the War; the 
reports of the Paris Expositior^ ; Astronomical Observations 
of the Naval Observatory; the Census of 1870; the Case of 
the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- 
eva, in English, Frencli, and Poituguese ; professional papers 
of the Bureau of Engineers, Wai- Department ; tlie Darien 
and Tehuantepec Ship-canal Expeditions; Hayden's Final 
Surveys ; Clarence King's Surveys of the 40th Parallel ; the 
Coast Survey Reports ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- 
ries of the United States and tiie Surgeon General's Office. 

Public Printers.— Superintendents, 1853, J. T. Towers, 
D. C; 1854, A. G. Seaman. Penn. ; 1858, G. W. Bowman, 
Penn. ; 1860, John Heart, Penn.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 
1866, C. Wendell, N. Y. Congressional Planters— 1SQ7 , J. 
D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, N. Y. 

The office is divided into the Composing Department, H. 
T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, 
A. Elliott, jr., Maurice Joyce; Bindery, J. H. Roberts. 

In 1852 the old contract system of public printing was 
abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- 
mg for each Honse of Congress was created. Tlie work, 
though still executed bv contract, was then done under the 
direction of those officers. In 1860 Congress- took tlie public 
printing in their own hands, and in 1867 the office of Super- 
intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the 
Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some 
competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the 
Government Printing: Office. 



170 winder's building. 



WINDER'S BUILDING. 

This structure {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) is situated on the NW. corner of F and 17th sts., 
opposite the JSTavy Department. It was originally erected 
for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the 
accommodation of public offices. The first floor is occupied 
principally by the Chief Engineer of the Anny. The last 
room, jSTo. 2, on the corridor leading to the r. after entering 
is the Battle Record Room^ in which the reports of the battles 
of the late war are filed and indexed. On the r. of the S. 
corridor, No. 13, is aj/^Ze room for the papers belonging to the 
Adjutant General's Office. The second floor, E. front, is 
devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army^ and the 
S. to the Ordnance Office. The floors above are assigned to 
the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. 

Ordnance Museum. — {Open every day., except Sunday., from 
9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) — This interesting military collection is on 
the second floor, and may be reached by ascending the steps 
opposite the main door, and keeping the corridors to the r., 
passing through the door marked ^' Ordnance Office " to door 
No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor ; crossing 
this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, 
which occupies a detached building. Tlie collection occupies 
two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are 
the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less 
associated with the battles of the late civil strife. The other 
objects of interest are United States Army infantry and cav- 
alry uniforms and accoutrements complete; section of an 
oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near 
Sjjottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in 
the attempt to recapture the works cariied by 2d Corps A. 
P., May 12, 1864; Jefi'erson Davis' rifle, a French piece, 
taken at the time of his capture in 1865 ; artillery, cavalry, 
and infantry accoutrements used in the U. S. Army from the 
earliest date; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, 
Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals ; fuses for exploding 
shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- 
ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest 
containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical 
and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weighing 
1,000 lbs. ; portable cavalry forge and tools complete ; Gat- 
ling guns of various sizes, including the "Camel" gun 
mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use 
in Egypt ; a Billinghurst and Requia batterj'- ; a Union or 



CITY HALL. 



171 



"coffee-mill" gun ; a steel Whit worth gun, one of a battery 
from loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 1861 ; 
the carriage of a 4 lb. cannon, formerly the property of the 
city of Vicksburg, fired at a passing steamer several days 
before any guns were fired at United States forts or troops 
at Charleston or Pensacola — the gun is at West Point ; breech 
loaders captured at Richmond ; confederate projectiles ; 
models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate 
and barbette, also mortars; a gun mounted on a saddle; 
models of field and siege artillery, caissons, forges, and bat- 
tery wagons used in the U. S. Army; life-size models of 
horse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. 
On the second floor is the Museum of small arms, iu which 
cau be traced tlieii- history from the beginning, and practically 
illustrating the stages of advancement, embracing hreech and 
mvzzle-loaders, muskets^ rifles^ and carbines^ armor 1610, 
cuirass^ and helmet, and other relics from the battle-field of 
Sedan, 1870, foreign arms and cavalry equipments, Indian 
war clubs, and ancient weapons and icall pieces, Japanese 
two-handed sword, worn by Kondo, a provincial officer, visit- 
ing the U. S. in 1871, presented by Arinori Mori, Charge 
d'Aftairs, and captured Confederate arms. 




DISTRICT COURT-HOUSE, (FOEMEKL'X CITY HALL.) 



DISTRICT COURT HOUSE. 

The City Hali, until 1871, occupied jointly by the munici- 
pal government of VV^asliington and the United States Courts 



172 ARSENAL. 

for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the 
sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoted 
to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of 
Judiciary Square, fronting 4J st. W., and at the intersection 
of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In the open space in front is 
a marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot 
Flannery, a self-taugiit sculptor. It was erected out of the 
contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. The building 
was commenced in 1820, from plans by G-eorge Hadfield, the 
arcliitect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 1826, 
and the W. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. high, and con- 
sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting 
wings, each .50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage 
is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted white. 
In the centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re- 
xjessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wings 
is a paved space. 



AKSENAL. 



The arsenal {open from su7irise to sunset) occupies a tract of 
45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by 
the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway^ the terminus 
of which is near the gate, at the foot of 4J st. W. The tract 
originally comprised 28 J a., and included the point of land at 
the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- 
ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, 
and N". to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase 
of the adjoining land on the l!^., (16 a.,) between the Potomac 
and the James Creek Canal, to P st. S. 

The grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered 
through a gateway consisting of iron gates swung on 32 and 
24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the 
r. is a 15-iii. Rodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in 
wliich is a pendulum balance for testing the force of gun- 
powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of" the 
main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are 
ofiicers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at the S. 
■extremity of the grounds, about f m. 

The body of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln^ was landed at the 
small wharf at theS. W. end of the peninsula. It was, with the bodies of the 
other conspirators, buried in one of the lower cells of the United States Pent- 
tentiary^ erected on the north end of the arsenal grounds, 1826—29. In 1865 the 
body of IVirz, the Anderson rebel prison-keeper, executed at the old Capitol 
1865, was also buried here. When the Penitentiary was torn down, 1869, 
these bodies were removed, Wirz to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, D. C, and Booth 
£0 Baltimore. Tfie grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with the broad 
Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on the E, 



ARSENAL. 



US 



In the arsenal buildings are miliinry stores of various kinds. There are 
also officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals bakeries, stables, and machine,, 
carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' shops, lumber storehouses, and two maga- 
zines for fixed ammunitionand small arm cartridges. The principal maga- 
zines are on the Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance 
corps are on duty. 

Objects of Inter- 
est. — In front of the old 
quarters are a number of 
captured cannon and 
mortars, among which 
are two Blakely guns, 
one inscribed, " Pre- 
sented to the sovereign 
State of South Carolina, 
by one of her citizens re- 
siding abroad, in com- 
memoration of the 20 
of December, i860 ;" a 
brass gun with a ball in 
the muzzle, shot there in 
the battle of Gettysburg; 
guns surrenderee! by the 
British by the Conven- 
tion of Saratoga, Oct. 
'7i ^777 j French guns 
taken at the battle of 
Niagara, July 25, 181 4 ; 
a 64 pounder, captured 
at Vera Cruz, March 29, 
1847 ; ^nd guns cap- 
tured from Cornwallis 
at Yorktown Oct. 19, 
1781 : also a number of 
small guns and mortars, 
some of date 1756. 

History. — In 1803 a 
military station was es- 
tablished on the Arsenal 
grounds. In 1807 shops 
were erected. In 1812 
powder was stored here. 
In 181-3 it became a reg- 
ular depot of supplies. 
In 18 [4 it was destroyed 
by the British. A num- 
ber of the latter were 
killed by the explosion of 
powder secreted in a well 
near the quarters. In 
1815 it was rebuilt under 
Col. George Bomford. 
In 1816 buildings were 
erected by the Ordnance Department. During the rebellion, i86i-*6s, it was the 
depot of ordnance supplies for the Army of the Potomac. Large quantities of 
ammunition and gun carriages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls 
were killed in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the 
grounds have been beautified. 




■\f^\\w' 



174 NAVY -YARD. 



:n^avy-yard. 

The Navy- Yard {open every day^ except Sunday^ from 7 a. 
m. to sunset^) is situated on the Anacostia, | m. SE. of the 
Capitol, 8th St. E. terminating- at the entrance. It maybe 
reached from the W. portions of the city in the red cars of 
the Peinisylvania av. st. railway. The oliicer of the marine 
guard at the gate will pass visitors. The present grounds 
comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gateway, hi 
Doric style, over wliich are small cannon-and-ball embellish- 
ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an 
anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room,, and opposite 
the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to 
the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices 
of the yard. The Executive officer's room is on the second 
floor, and from whom a permit may be obtained, which will 
fidmit tlie bearer to any part of the yard, in tlie workshops, 
and on board any monitors in the stream. 

Immediately within the entrance, on either side of the 
avenue, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore 
Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on 
the 1. and r. are -the officers' quarters : those of the Com- 
mandant being on the 1. On tlie 1. of the main avenue are 
the storehouses, copper-worlvs, &c. ; and on the r. the foundry, 
machine, and other shops. S. of tlie Commandant's building 
are a number of cannon and projectiles: among the former 
two of 1686 and 1767 date, captured at Norfolk, Va., 1862; 
several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- 
zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. 

On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. Near 
the E. is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to 
the monitors, if any, in the stream. More to the W. lies the 
receiving-ship, the W. ship-liouse, and a water batter3^ The 
large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the 
river is tlie National As^dum for the Insane. The view down 
the river is very fine. In the W. part of the yard is tlie Ord- 
nance-shop and Laboratoiy. The avenue leading back to- 
wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, {open from 
a. m.. to 4^j. m.) On eitlier side of the door are a number of 
projectiles of the largest size. Among tliese a 20-in. shot, 
weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Rip-raps, Hampton 
Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of interest : junong which, on the first fioor^ are a Span- 
ish gun, cast about 14IX), brought to America by Cortez, and 
used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by 
Commodore Stockton m California in 1847; an old-style re- 



NAVY -YARD. 



175 




NAVY-TARD. 



peater ; a small mortar, captured fi'om Lord Oornwallis ; a 
section of the sternpost of the Kearsarge, showing a shell, 
whicli did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- 
erate torpedoes, taken out of southern harbors; submarine 
rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting col- 
lection of those which had been fired. On the second jioor 
are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the 
ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said 
to have belonged to Cortez ; a telescope rifle ; two blunder- 
busses, and cases of rifles and pistols. The w^alls and ceil- 
ings are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres, 
and pistols. 

History.— On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the 
Navj^-Yard was brought to the attention of the commission- 
ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent 
William Marbmy. The ground best suited for tliat purpose 
lay on the Anacostia, a short distance above its confluence 
with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and 
Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave 
orders to lay the ground out. The yard, however, was not 
formally established till the passage of the act of March, 1804. 
In those early days it was unrivalled. Such famous vessels 
as the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- 
ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, 
and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 44 guns 
each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 



176 MARINE BARRACKS. 

naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its 
prominence for naval construction, owina; to the greater fa- 
cOities presented by more recently-established stations, and 
the filling up of the channel. In 1816 a ship of the line could 
anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for 
the manufacture of naval supplies. 



MAKINE BARRACKS. 

A short distance N. of the Navy-Yard gate, on the E. side 
of 8th St. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. 
The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the Navy-Yard pass the 
iron gate, which is the general entrance. Visitors are admit- 
ted from 9 a. m, till sundown^ but can be passed before that 
time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a frontage 
of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quarters, 
is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with accom- 
modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staff are 
opposite, on 9th st. E. On the N. of the square aie the quar- 
ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Marine 
Corps, and opposite, on the S., is the armory and hospital. 
In the former are some interesting Marine Corps flags. One 
bears the inscription "From Tripoli to the Halls of the Mon- 
tezumas" by land and sea; also, a Corean flag captured in 
battle. 

The most interesting occasion for a visit would be at the 
time of general inspection on any Monday, weather permit- 
ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent band 
may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a. m. in summer 
and 9 a. m. in winter, there is guard mounts the band per- 
forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in 1814, 
but were immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here for in- 
struction before being detailed for service on the vessels of the 
Navy. 

The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunct to 
the naval establishment, then placed under an independent 
administration. The corps has participated, with glory to 
its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements wliich 
have characterized the operations of the Navy of the United 
States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of the na- 
tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and against 
greatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obstacles, 
has invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Tripolitan 
and Mexican wars, in then- participation in the attack on Fort 



MAGAZINES. 177 

Fisher, in their desperate conflict on the coast of Covea against 
overwlielming numbers of the barbarous enemy, and in re- 
peated retaliatory landings on the shores of Asiatic countries 
and islands of the Pacific, their discipline and bravery have 
won for them a bright page in the nation's history. The 
headquarters of the corps are appropriately at the IS^ational 
Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. The com- 
mandant or superior officer holds the rank of brigadier gen- 
eral ; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels, 4 majors, 
20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The 
numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. 



MAGAZINES. 



The Army and I^avy Magazines, to which there is no ad- 
mittance, occupy about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 
13, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E. part of the 
city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, 
the two for the Army on the N., and those for the Navy on 
the S., vvitli a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are 
tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- 
ment of marines are on duty. The wharf at the foot of the 
grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of 
powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, 
with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, 
was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- 
ed from its present location. 

The large quantities of powder usually stored in these 
magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of 
the adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been 
taken to liave the magazines removed. That of the Navy will 
be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are 
ready for use. Tlie Anny magazines will doubtless speedily 
follow. 



12 




S E T I O N I V . 

PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST. 

smithso:n'ian institution^. 

HE Smithsonian Institution {open daily^ except 

Sunday^ from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine 

site S. of Pennsylvania av., and may be conveniently 

reached by 10th st. W.. the centre of the N. front 

of the building facing that street . 

Grounds. — The whole area of what are now desig- 
nated the Smithsonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st, 
and between B sts. N. and S., covers 52^ acres. The Smith- 
sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- 
stitution in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner 
of the larger reservation . At first the charge of the Smith- 
sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 
years ago, however, Congress resumed their supervision. 
They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- 
ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. 

The grounds were designed and partially laid out by the 
distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, Andrew 
Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- 
cution of his plans. They are arranged with lawns, groves, 
drives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species ©f 
trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In tlie E. portion of the 
grounds, IST. of the E. wing of tlie building, is a vase of ex- 
quisite beauty, designed by Calvert Vaux, of ISTewburg, N. 
Y., executed by Eobert Launitz, sculptor, of New York, 
and erected by the American Pomological Society to the 
memory of Downing. Tlie funds were supplied by friends of 
the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- 
sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian 
marble, and resting on a pedestal of the same material. The 
vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter at the upper rim. The 
body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- 
round the lower part. Tlie handles rest on the heads of satyrs. 
g:ods of groves and woods, and the pedestal on a carved base. 

a78 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



179 



Burrounded with a cornioe. On each side is a deep panel, 
relieved by carved mouldinf^s. In each is an appropriate in- 
scription. That facing the N. reads, ''This vase was erected 
by his friends in memory of Andrew Jackson Downing, who 
died July 28, 1852, aged thirty-seven years. He was born 
and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of 
the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected 
under a resolution passed at Philadelphia, in September, 
1852, by the American Pomological Society, of which IMr. 
Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. 
Wilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite 
plinth, is 9J ft. high, and cost $1,600. 

Description.— The style of architectm-e of the Smithsonian 
Building, designed by James Renwick, Jr., of N". Y., is ISTor- 
man, and chronologically belongs to the end of the 12th cen- 
tury, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the 
Gothic. It is the first unecclesiastical structure ol that period 
ever built in the United States. The building compares favor- 




SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the 
Norman, theLombai-d, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine. 
The semi-circular arch still is used throughout in doors, win- 
dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- 
rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of 
corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 



180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIOl^. 

sizes and shapes. The main entrance from the N"., sheltered 
by a carriage porch, is betvv^een two towers of beautifully 
symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general 
design consists of a main centre building, two stories high and 
two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, 
each having a cloister on the N. with open stone screen. In 
the centre of the N. side of the main building are two towers, 
the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 
ft. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. high. On the 
NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to 
the top of its finial. At the SW. corner is an octagonal tower 
finished with open work in tlie upper portions. At the SW. 
and IsW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- 
ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. 

The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- 
ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadth of the 
centre of the main building and towers, including carriage 
porch, is 1C)0 ft. The E. wing is 82 by 52 ft., and 42^ ft. high 
to the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its 
projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- 
necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. Tlie main 
building is 205 by 57 ft. and.to the top of the corbel courses 
58 ft. high. 

The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new 
red sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from Washing- 
ton, in the vicinity of the point where Seneca creek empties 
into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from 
a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinity 
church of Kew York city. The building thi'oughout is con- 
structed in the most dm'able manner. The foundation walls 
vary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls 
of tlie main building, above the water table, are 2 J ft. for the 
first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of buttresses, 
corbel courses, and other exterior projections, and exclusive 
of the interior lining of brick. The walls of the wings are 2 
ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the 
campanile, and octagonal towers, and towers of the W. wmg. 
The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, muUions, 
sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The 
face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 
15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole 
of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and 
ranges practically so. The roofs are of §late laid on iron. 

The Smithsonian Institution proper has two chief line^ of 
action : I. To stimulate the preparation of original works in 
general and special science: to publish and to distribute them 
judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 

world, through a system of international exchanges, now the 
most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes 
abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and 
historical societies wlien sent to them. It has ten agents of 
its own, and is in correspondence with 2,400 institutions 
abroad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the " Con- 
tributions to Knowledge," "Miscellaneous," and "Annual 
Reports" — the latter to Congress. 

n. Meteorological investigations. These have been pros- 
ecuted over a quarter of a century, and reports are now re- 
ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western 
Hemisphere. Tlie observations relate solely to the general 
laws of climatology of the continent. The Institution has 
also patronized and aided the cause of science and explora- 
tion, both in the efforts of the Government and private indi- 
viduals. It lias also co-operated with the other departments 
of the Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- 
rated with that of Congi-ess. The extensive herbarium, on 
condition of approving the botanist in charge, has been 
transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all the 
crania and other osteological specimens to the Army Medical 
Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from the 
oflScers of the army all collections made in ethnology and in 
special branches of natural history. 

National Museum. — {Open every day^ except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m.to 4:p, m.) — This national collection is in the charge of 
the Smithsonian Institution, tliough it is supported by the 
United States. Its origin was under the act establishing tliat 
Institution, and its head is the Secretary, Professor Joseph 
Henry, though the active supervision has been assigned by 
him to Prof. Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary. 

Witli the limited means at command, it was found imprac- 
ticable to expect an extensive general museum. The efforts 
of the manager of that offshoot of the Institution, therefore, 
were directed to the accumulation of material from tlie Amer- 
ican continent. Tlie act of organization contributed, as the 
foundation of tlie museum, the collections of specimens 
brought back by the United States exploring expedition to the 
Southern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent Office. It was trans- 
ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since tliat time the collec- 
tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards 
of fifty subsequent expeditions of the General Government, 
and contributions resulting fi-om the operations of tlie Insti- 
tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. 
The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 



182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

of natural history. The collection of the larger ISTorth Amer- 
ican and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the 
most complete in the United States. In ethnological speci- 
mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In 
other respects it i-anks favorably with the collections of the 
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge 
Museum. 

The collections of the Museum are undergoing rearrange- 
ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second 
floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of 
the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic 
hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- 
ogy, and the W. hall to mineralogy and geology. The latter 
is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the 
entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large 
and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of 
the United States, made under the direction of Prof. S. F. 
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. The second floor, 
now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily 
large ethnological collection relating to the native tribes of 
North America, ancient and modern, and the rich store of 
specimens of the same character, from the Feejee, Samoan, 
Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the timi of the visit of the 
"Wilkes exploring expedition . 

Main Hall.— This hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. 
high. The ceiling is supported on t\vo rows of columns. 
Aroand the hall, against the railings of the galleries, are the 
heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That 
at the W. end is of a buffalo, an excellent specimen. Opposite 
the entrance is the Register^ in whicli visitors are requested 
to record their names. Near by, on the r., is a specimen of 
the great auk killed on the island of Eldey, near Iceland, in 
1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 
1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. 
But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the 
egg^ is in the United States. 

Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case 
contains carnivorous animals, the next two birds of foreign 
countries, two of birds of North America, and one of foreign 
countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the 
wall cases skeletons and alcoholic specimens. The table 
cases in the centre of the room are filled with a fine collec- 
tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first 
are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the 
giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are 
empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be 



SJVUTHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 

fiUpd with zoological specimens. In the S. range of cases 
the first two contain birds of North America, the next three 
of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and allig^itors. 
The table cases between are devoted to shells, and those 
against the wall to alcoholic specimens. Tlie cases in the 
galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. 

In the W. half of the Hall, resuming tlie S. range of cases, 
the first contains mammals, including a musk ox, female 
chimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two 
mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- 
hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological 
and alcoholic specimens. 

In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a 
specimen of the devil fish from California. When expanded, 
it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with 
eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- 
tions of beaver cuttings. 

On the r., entering the main ]Sr. door, the fii-st case contains 
mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here 
are excellent specimens of the Rocky Mountain sheep and 
goat. The next embraces birds of ISTorth America, and the 
remaining four on the same side birds of foreign countries. 
The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall 
alcoholic specimens. 

The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the 
Hall is devoted to shells above and shells of turtles below. 
In the second are ethnological specimens relating to the 
American Indians. On the E. end of this case is the head 
of a Peruvian chief, compressed by an unknown method, 
very rare. 

In the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. 
Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of 
birds. We here enter the 

G-otliic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of 
architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and 
relics, and other articles of historic interest. It is proposed 
during the present year to mal\;e a general rearrangement of 
the collections of the National Museum. Tliis Hall will then 
be assigned to economic geology. The portrait over the W. 
door represents General Washington, painted by the elder 
Peale. The painting Avas shipped to Europe and captured 
by a Frcncli privateer, taken to France, where it was pur- 
chased and returned to tlie United States, and ultimately 
came into the possession of the National Institute. 

In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 



184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In the wall case 
on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic 
exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, 
and rifle of JEsquimaux Joe. 

On the S. are the collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- 
cat, and Siam. 

In the E . table case are a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection 
of medals awarded to military and naval officers of the Revo- 
lution and subsequent wars ; copies of royal seals of gold and 
silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London ; a few 
odd specimens of the Denon and American medals destroyed 
in the fire at the Library of the United States ; locks of hair 
of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captain 
Cook, the navigator; one of the bolts to which Columbus 
was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat 
built by James Rumsey, of Shepherds town, Va., 1786; Chi- 
nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting 
specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; 
and treaties with Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia, 
France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United 
States. Among the treaties is the first between France and 
the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In 
the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the 
Malayan Peninsula and China ; also arms of historical inter- 
est. 

On the W. table case is a collection illustrating tlie pre-his- 
toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, 
lake dwelling, and shell heap period, down to that of chipped 
and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- 
tm'es of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- 
ing period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period 
in England; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that countrj'^; 
also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the 
same case below are a number of relics of tlie Franklin, Fro- 
bisher, Kane, anrl Hall JSTorfcli Polar expeditions. 

At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high 
order of Mexican hieroglyphics. Beyond the Gothic is the 

West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to 
the mineral ogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided 
into four sections : 

I. General MineralogicaV Collection^ occupying the S. and 
the S. end of the E. walls. This embraces 300 species of 
minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very 
beautiful specimens. 

II. General Lithological Collection, occupying the entire 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 185 

W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by 
the various Government exploring- expeditions within the 
United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- 
eral European series. 

III. Ore Collection^ on the N. end of the E. wall, and em- 
bracing ores from a large number of lodes in tlie Western 
States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- 
lection a specimen of everj'" worked lode W. of the Mississippi, 
which would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores, 

IV. Metallurgical Collection, in tlie center of the E. wall, 
embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- 
ing the various intei'csts of this character in the United 
States and foreign countries. 

Against the X. w-all, E. side, is a case containing an inter- 
esting collection of geyserites from the ISTational Parlv on the 
Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- 
tion. It is the best and most valuable series of tlie kind in 
existence. At the S. end of the hall, tlie table case contains 
the Polaris Collection, made by Dr. Emil Bessels during the 
United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the 
specimens were gathered above 80'^ N. latitude. The ham- 
mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry^'s 
Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The 
next table case on the N". contains stalactites and a very fine 
specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains 
minei-als from different foreign countries. 

In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- 
mens, including the Irwin-ainsa Meteorite, from Tucson, Ari- 
zona, weighing 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures 
49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 in. in opening. The thickest 
pai't is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- 
tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used by the Indians 
as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to w^eigli over 3,000 lbs. 
The CoucJi Meteorite, found by Lieut. D. iST. Couch, United 
States Army, in Coahuila, IS'orthern Mexico, and weighing 
250 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same 
group is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky 
Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and 
other interesting specimens from different parts. 

A card explaining the system of labelling will ])e found in 
the hall. The arrangement of the collection was made by 
Dr. F. M. Endlicli, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. 

Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N'. entrance, 
is the 

S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- 
quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 



186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- 
dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Syria. It was 
originally the repository of the remains of the Koman Em- 
peror Alexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended 
for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- 
pose it was offered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the 
General replied:" "I cannot consent that my mortal body 
shall be laid in a repositorj'' prepared for an emperor or a 
king; my republican feelings and principles forbid it; the 
simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every 
monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes 
and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economyand sim- 
plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our 
republican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious 
Union, and whose A^rtue is to perpetuate it." 

The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by 
Miltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory 
over the Persians, 490 B. C. 

In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, 
carved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-like head-dress, 
are from the island of Momotombita, in Lake Manaqua. One 
of the others was used bj^ the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- 
tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake 
Nicarangua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples 
of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient 
carved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics 
of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- 
men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The 
plank is 12 ft. long and 6|- ft. wide. 

Leaving the main hall by the N". door, the double flight of 
steps lead to the Ethnological Hall, on the second floor, being 
fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- 
cal collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- 
mensions as that on the first floor. In the centre is a cast of 
the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest 
type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing with cappings of the existing 
types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- 
don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo 
family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of 
a giant turtle found in the Himalaya mountains. In the hall, 
temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, 
and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, 
a moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, 
deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and R^^^cky- 
mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sb -irks, 
sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyacks. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 

Secretaries of the Smithsonian Institution, — 1846, Joseph 
Henry. 

History. — The original fund which led to the foundation 
of the Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, amounting to $515,169. The founder 
belonged to one of the best families of England. He was 
the son of Hugh, first Duke of Northumberland, and Eliza- 
beth, heiress of Hungerfords of Audley and niece of Charles 
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London, 
was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there 
in 1786. At the university he was known as James Lewis 
Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smithson, 
the family name of the Northumberlands. His life was 
mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at 
Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific 
world as a skillful chemist, mineralogist, and geologist, on 
each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He 
was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the 
cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- 
preciation of mental endowments, usefully applied, and 
claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of 
England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who 
possessed inherited titles and honors only. It is stated that 
at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Koyal 
Society of London, but owing to a disagreement vested it in 
his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, for life, after which 
it was to go to tlie United States of America ^'- to founds at 
Washington^ under the name of the Smithsonian Institution^ 
an estahlishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge 
among men.'''' Tlie Government of the United States, by act 
of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the 
same year Richard Rush, of Pennsjdvania, who had been 
Minister of the United States at tlie court of King George 
rV, from 1817 to 1825, was designated Commissioner to as- 
sert and prosecute tlie claim of the United States to the 
legacy. Having obtained the available amount of the be- 
quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited 
in the Treasury of the United States and invested. 

The permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, including the original bequest, residuary 
legacy, and savings, and bearing 6 per cent, interest, paya- 
ble semi-annually in coin, is $650,000. In addition to this, 
out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of 
a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of 
the income from the permanent fund, and the National Mu- 
seum by appropriations by Congress. 



188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress 
dated August 10, 1846. The administration of affau-s was 
intrusted to a Board of Regents, who elected a Secretary, 
charged with the management of the business under their 
direction. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. 
President Polli and his Cabinet and a large number of citi- 
zens and strangers were present on the occasion. The cere- 
mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masons, the Grand 
Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand 
Lodge of France to Washington through Lafayette. The 
gavel employed was that used by Washington upon the lay- 
ing of the corner-stone of the Capitol of tlie United States. 
The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 
1856, and at a cost of $450,000. 

The first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for an exhibition given 
by the Mechanics' Institute of Washington in 1856. The next year the buiM- 
ing was regularly occupied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections 
in the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and which pre- 
viously had belonged to the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, 
founded in 1840, incorporated 1842, and expired 1858. On the 24th of Jan., 
1865, the Institution suffered a serious calamity, in the destruction of all the 
flammable material of the upper portion of the main building and towers by 
fire. The losses were of a character, in many instances, which could not be 
replaced, and included the official, scientific and miscellaneous correspond- 
ence, record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's office, aparatus , /^r- 
sonal effects of Smithson. tools and instruments, all duplicate copies of 
Smithsonian reports on hand for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustra- 
tions used in the Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- 
traits and other private property. The operations of the Institution, however, 
were not impaired, and the destroyed parts of the building were restored in 
their present fire-proof condition. There was a long controversy as to the 
policy of the Institution. The Government party favored a national library, 
to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This the scientific party 
warded off, and devoted themselves to works in keeping with the spirit of the 
bequest. A general museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less 
practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income combined were 
not sufficient to make anything worthy of the name. The foundation of a 
gallery of art on the means at command was also an absurdity. A few 
plaster casts and pictures,' without any claims to the notice of an intelligent 
student or admirer of art, were accumulated, and fortunately for the reputation 
of the Institution, were destroyed in the fire of 1865. 

In t866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, comprising a 
large and valuable collection of scientific works and transactions of societies in 
all parts of the world, was transferred to the Library of Congress. 

The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, were patronized 
with more or less ardor, but their novelty soon languished. After 1865 they 
were finally abandoned, and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. 

With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has become a kind of 
central head with reference to communication with the scientific institutions 
and societies of other countries. 



CORCORAN GALLERY OP ART. 



189 




IHH CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

COKCOKAN GALLERY OF ART. 

The Galleiy is open Mondays^ Wednesdays^ and Fridays^ 
admission lb c; Tuesdays^ Thursdays^ and Saturdays^ free; 
hours^ 10 a. m. to 4: p. m.from October to Aprils and 10 a. m. 
to 6 p.m. from April to October. The buildhig stands on the 
;N'E. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st., and was com- 
menced in 1859. From 1861 to 18G9 it was occupied by the 
Quartermaster General of the United States Army. 

It is in the renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on 
Pennsylvania av., and 124^ ft. on 17th st. The exterior is 
constructed of brick, with facings, trimmings, and ornaments 
of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is 
divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, 
and flanlvcd by two other pavilions, one on either corner, 
and di\ided into two stories. The central pavilion has ver- 
miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose the grand 
entrance door T\^th a carved jamb and arch, overtopped with 
fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story 
is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- 
sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of 
the building. 

The second story of the central pavilion consists of an 
arched recess. The span between the import and the sufflt 
of the arch is filled witli decorations, and 'contains the mono- 
gram of the founder, surrounded with carved ■v^Tcaths and 
enscrollmcnts. Just beneath this there is a palladium wm- 



390 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

<low, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, express- 
ing American foliage, exquisitively carved. In the arch are 
two -wreaths, encirclino- various implements of painting and 
sculpture. 

The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two fluted 
columns, Avitli capitals representing the broad leaves and 
fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, on 
which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze of 
the central pavilion ; and on this are inscribed the words, 
*' Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pediment, 
in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing the 
Oenius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical of 
the sister arts. 

The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Man- 
sard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinary 
roof of tlie building. The architects were James Renwick, 
Jr., and E. T. Auchmuty, of jN". Y. The cost of the building 
Avas $150,000. 

The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ves- 
tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to the 
second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide. On 
each side are passages 8| ft. wide, and leading to the sculp- 
ture hall. The stairs and halls are lighted by two com*ts. 

The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28 ft. 
long, with two spacious bay windows at the ends. THie 
sculpture hall itself is 96| ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and is 
amply lighted by 10 windows. 

The janitor's apartments are G/i the r. of the main vesti- 
bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the main 
sculpture hall, arc two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43| ft., the other 
19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of de- 
sign, whicli it is proposed to establish. 

On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 
ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. by 65 ft. Tliese gal- 
leries are connected by spacious arched doors. 

The picture galleries are on the second floor. The main 
stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42i ft. long, on either 
side of wliich are small galleries. The grand picture gallery, 
entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. 
There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania av., 
the centre one, being an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two 
are 25 ft. by 32 ft. lii the rear of these, and extending along 
the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19J ft. by 43J ft. 

All these galleries are lighted by sky-lights, and are so ar- 
ranged that the quantity can be regulated as desired. These 
galleries arc connected with each other by lofty arclied doors, 
thus aftbrding a continuous passage around the floor. The 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 

cornices and ceilings of the various o-alleries are enriclied 
with panel ornaments and moldings representing American 
foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on 
iron girders. 

The buildhig was formally conveyed by the donor, W. W. 
Corcoran, Esq., of Washington, to a board of trustees in 
18G9, who were incorporated in 1870. 

The basis of the collection of paintings and statuary is the 
rare and valuable private gallery of Mr. Corcoran, whicli cost 
upAvards of $100,000. The collections comprise — 

In Statuary^ Powers' Greek Slave, in the octagon room, 
second floor, fltted up with reference to the special exhibition 
of this very superior work of art. In the same room are 
busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. 

lii Bronzes^ on the first floor, two thirds of all the bronzes 
produced by Baiye, numbering about 70 pieces. 

In Antiquities^ reproductions of vases, cups, dishes, &c., 
discovered in an excavation made at Hildersheim on the site 
of a former Roman camp. 

Of the Paintings^ in the grand hall on the second floor, of 
the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to the gallery, 
maybe mentioned, ""The Adoration of the Sliepherds," by 
Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; '' The Flag- 
ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke; an unknown 
Flemish picture, *'Ora et Labora," dated 1619; ''The Vil- 
lage Doctor," by Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy 
Families," by Brackaleer ; a small Madonna and child, sup- 
posed to be by Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, 
castle on a promontory, fishermen puzzled over their nets, b)'^ 
Joseph Vernet ; copy of Bega's " Child and IsTurse ; " a paint- 
ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming- 
home at sunset; "Shakspeare and His Friends," hj Faed; 
"Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- 
tiunn," by Dougiitj^ ; "The Departure and the Return," by 
Cole, very superior ; " The Amazon, " by Leutze ; " Milton, " 
(playing the organ to Cromwell and his family,) by Leutze ; 
" The Huguenot's Daughter," by Washington ; " Moonrise at 
Madeira," by Hildebrandt, painted for Mr. Corcoran tlu-ough 
the instr umentalitj'- of Baron v. Humboldt ; a " Winter Scene", ' ' 
by Gignoux ; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, 
and Lafayette, by Sully ; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Reale ; 
Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself ; Baron Humboldt, by 
Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. 

Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death 
of Ccesar," by Jerome; "Comte de Wirtemberg Weeping 
over the Body of his Son," by Ary Sheffer, (the original^ 
"Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 



192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

"La puit qui parle," by Vely ; '' Spring Flowers," by Jean- 
nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren; "Two Flowers," by 
Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Effect of Snow," by Breton; 
"The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, which won the prize 
gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. 

Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a fine life- 
size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years cf age, founder of 
the Institution, painted by Charles Elliott in 1867. 

Ml-. Corcoran was born in Greorgetown, in 1798, and re- 
ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- 
eer and commission merchant. In 1837 he became a banker in 
Washington. In 1840 he became associated with Grcorge W. 
Riggs, and retired from business in 1854. Mr. Corcoran still 
enjoys excellent health. 

Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of 
about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; 
a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of 
the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in 
plaster in Paris and Rome. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of 
George Washington, occupies a conspicuous site on a sm^ 
plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the MaU, where 
the Tiber formerly emptied into the niain stream, and S. of 
the President's House. 

The Monument Grounds., or Park., as originally designated, 
have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wide connects Execu- 
tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol- 
lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, 
and communicates with the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- 
ument may be seen the stone which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- 
ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. 

The Design. — The design of the Monument, prepared by 
Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- 
nial, to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was 
founded, and at the same time sj^'mbolizes the Republic estab- 
lished b)^ his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea 
of a grand clrcuJar colonnaded building, 250 ft. in diameter, 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



198 




■WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



and 100 ft. hii2:li, from which springs an 
obelisk shaft^TO ft. at the base and 500 
ft. liigh. 

The vast rotunda, formins^ tlie grand 
base of the monnment, is surrounded by 
30 cohimns of massive proportions, be- 
ing ]2 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, 
elevated upon a lofty base or stylobaie 
of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, 
surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. 
high, and crowned by a massive balus- 
trade 15 ft. in height. 

The terrace outside of the colonnade 
is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk 
within the colonnade, mcluding tlie col- 
umn space, 25 ft. The %valks inclosing 
the cella, or gallery within, are fretted 
vdth 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 
ft. high, and 7^ ft. projection, answer- 
ing to the columns in front, surmounted 
by their appropriate architrave. The 
deep recesses formed by the projection 
of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of 
statues. 

A tetrastjde portico, (four colimins in front,) in triple rows 
of the same proportions and order witli the columns of the 
colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and 
serves as a pedestal for the triumphal car and statue of the 
illustrious chief. The steps to this portico are flanked by 
massive blockings, surmounted bj'' appropriate figures and 
trophies. 

Over each column, in tlie great frieze of the entablatures, 
around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats 
of arms of each State in the Union,) surrounded by bronze 
civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c., 
all of whicii spring (each wajO from the centre of the portico, 
where the coat of arms of tlie United States is emblazoned. 

The statues surrounding the rotunda outside, under the 
colonnade, are all elevated upon pedestals, and will be those 
of tlie signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ascending the portico outside to the terrace level a lofty 
vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft. high, leads into the cella, (rotunda 
gallery,) 50 ft. wide, 500 ft. in circumference, and 68 ft. high, 
witli a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, around 
which the gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation 
of the obelisk column above. 

Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 
13 



194 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

ters, elevated on a continued zocle or base 5 ft. liig'li, forming 
an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted 
ceiling 20 ft., divided by radiating archevaults corresponding 
with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters, and in- 
closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. 

The spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for 
the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Kevolution, 
contemporary with Washington ; over which are large tablets 
to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- 
tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to 
the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- 
cular wall, is the grand niche for the reception of the statue 
of the "Fatiier of his Country," elevated on its appropriate 
pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- 
lossal proportions. 

This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be 
denominated the ''national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand 
divisions from above. 

Entering the centre pier through an arched way, you pass 
into a spacious circular area, and ascend mth an easy grade, 
by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the 
monument. This terrace is 700 ft. in circumference, 180 ft. 
wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its 
base and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded 
with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolSiS 
of the lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. 

Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 
apertures at the 4 cardinal points, leading outside of the bal- 
ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, where a gallery 6 
ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- 
closed by an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- 
ber on the top of the tholus of the main cornice of the grand 
colonnade. Within the thickness of this wall staircases de- 
scend to a lower gallery over the plafond of the pronaos of 
the colonnade, lig-hted from above. This gallery, which ex- 
tends aroiuid the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms 
for the records of the monument, works of art, or studios for 
artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other 
ways communicate with this gallery from below. 

In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the 
lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square at the base, 
and' 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it 
is 40 ft. square ; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, 
project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. high, supporting so many co- 
lossal symbolic tripods of victory "20 ft. high, surmounted by 
facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle 
faces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 195 

aronndthe entire base cff the shaft, and occupy the s'arfaceof 
that part of the shaft between the tripods. On each face of 
the shaft, above tliis, is sculptured the four leading events in 
Washington's career in basso relievo^ and above this tlie shaft 
is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- 
ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory wliich the name of 
>VaslLington has attained. 

To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities 
as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- 
ler}', which may be traversed by a railway terminating in a 
circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at tlie 
top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around 
the horizon. 

The innei- space, or that under the grand gallery or rotun- 
da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the 
remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor 
with interment here. 

In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- 
ington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, 
the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by 
the same light which illumines his statue. 

Description. — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. 
high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 
81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. 
above, narrowing to 60 ft. square. The base of the obelisk 
is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 
ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks 
of crj^stal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular coui'ses of 
about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss 
rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of tlie wall is 
perpendicular, while the outer surface gradually recedes. At 
the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness 
of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- 
case. The tablets already built in the interior walls are ar- 
ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed 
stairway. 

The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was 
six years in building, when the funds ran out. Tlie esti- 
mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,000 
additional. Total, $1,120,000. 

The Monument completed would rank with the loftiest 
woi'ks of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, 680 
ft. ; Washington Monument completed, 000 ft. ; Cologne 
Cathedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of 
Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasboiu-g, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, 
Rome, 458 ft, ; St. Stephen, Vienna, 445 ft. ; Cathedral, Sails- 



196 ARMORY. 

bury, England, 406 ft. ; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft. ; St 
Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Milan, 400 ft, 

Tlie Lapidarium.— In the low wooden building NE. of the 
Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior 
of the Monument, to be placed the same as those already 
used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the 
ground, and will exhibit the Monument and tablets, 81 in 
number, to visitors. 

Among the American contributions are a block of native 
copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks 
from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from 
abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of 
granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt ; China ; Bre- 
men; Sultan of Turkey; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; 
ancient Egyptian head; Governor and Commune of the 
Islands of Paros and Naxos ; Temple of Esculapius, island 
of Paros ; Greek Government ; and Japan. 

History. — ^Repeated attempts have been made to erect a 
suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the 
Continental Congress passed a resolution for a National 
Monument. The site for the Monument, near the presetit 
undertaking. Was approved by Washington himself in the 
first plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of 
Congress to erect a '' mausoleum of American granite and 
marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of 
proportionate height . ' ' 

The Washington National Monument Association^ the name 
by which the association of distinguished gentlemen Avho 
projected the monument was known, was organized in 1835. 
The amount collected to 1848 was $230,000. The corner- 
stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in 
the presence of 4,000 people. Repeated efforts have since 
been made to effect its completion, but without success. 



ARMORY. 

This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The 
main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to 
the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. 

Tlie first floor is paved and arranged for artillery, there 
bcino; three suitable entrances on the N. and S. sides of the 



CHURCHES. 197 

building. Each floor is supported by 12 iron pillars, and i^^ 
provided with gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The 
building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized 
the erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- 
nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and military of the 
District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military 
trophies of the revolution and other wars. It was finished in 
1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed 
to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was origi- 
nally intended. 



CHUKCHES. 



The capital possesses manj'- church edifices whieii, in ar- 
chitectural display and dunensions, have kept pace with the 
growth of the population in numbers and affiuence. The 
finest are the Metropolitan Methodist Episcojyal. in wliicli are 
also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land 
and memorial windows, First Congregational, Neio-York 
Av. Presbj/terian, Epiphany Protestant Episcojjal, Foundry 
Methodist^ Calvary Baptist^ and St. Aloysivs, Boman Catho- 
lic. Of the colored churches, the Fifteenth St. Presbyterian 
and Nineteenth St. BaiMst are very fine structures. 

A list of leading churches and locations will be found in 
General Information. 

In 1794 the Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and Grcorge- 
town, was formed out of St. John's and St^Paul's Parishes. 
The parish of Christ Church was next created, and the 
church edifice near the ]S"avy Yard was erected about 1800. 
For sixteen years it was the only Episcopal place of worship 
in the city. It was attended by Jefferson and Madison. Ser- 
\4ces are still held in the same structure. The first Presby- 
terian church services were lield in 1793, in the carpenter 
shop used by the joiners at work on the President's House. 
The first Baptist church began worship in 1802. and com- 
menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. NW. in 
1803. The first Presbyterian c]inrch on F st. was established* 
in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury 
building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. 
Patrick's, Roman Catholic, was established in 1810. A 
Methodist church was erected near tlio N'avv Yard in 1805, 
but meetings had been held in the city before. ,St. John's 
Episcopal Chnroh. o-i !':>> XE. vr:\\vv of lOUi and 11 sts. 



198 HALLS. 

« 

N~W., opposite Lafayette Square, was erected in 1816, from 
designs by Latrobe, the architect of the Capitol. In 1820 it 
was enlarged, and its original form, a Greek cross, was 
changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among 
those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, 
Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives ol 
England. The first Unitarian church, on 6th and D sts. 
NW., fronting on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. 



HALLS. 



There are a number of halls in various parts of the city. 

Masonic Temple is on the NW. corner of F and 9th sts.. 
NW., entrance on F st., and was erected by the Masonic Hall 
Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- 
ing is of granite and Connecticut and Nova Scotia freestone, 
and cost $200,090. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- 
riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. 
The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a 
public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high, and retiring rooms. 
The hall has been the scene of some of the most brilliant 
balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third 
story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the 
Eoyal Arch Chapters and Commanderies. The furniture and 
fittings of the lodges are of superior quality, and are unsur- 
passed in any similar place in the country. A lodge of Ma- 
sons was established in the earliest days of the capital. Prior 
to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the 
borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on 
the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. 

Odd Pellows' Hall, situated on 7tli st. W., bet. D and E 
sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected 
oat of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting 
in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It 
has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- 
vanized-iron pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- 
momited by three domes, that in the centre raised above the 
others. The ground-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- 
way at the main enti*ance leads to the main hall, on the sec- 
ond floor. The hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted 
with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at the E. end. It is princi- 
pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectures. Adjoining 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 199 

are ladies' retiriii*^ and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. The third 
floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The 
Library^ on the same llo»o", for the use of members of the 
Order and tiieir families, contains a line collection of books. 
The first Lo'lge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the 
Grand Lodge followed in 1828. 

Lincoln Hall. — This fine structure stands on the NE. cor- 
ner of 9th and D sts. IST W. It is built of Seneca brownstono, 
with iron trimmings, is three stories high, surmounted by a 
Mansard roof. The corner-stone on the SW. bears the in- 
stription, '' Y. M. C. A., Xov. xxvii, mdccclxvii. Jeho- 
vah .llREH." The building was erected by a joint stock 
company chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and Avas com- 
pleted in 1809, at a cost of $200,000. On the ground floor are 
stores. There are two entrances to the upper floors : the main 
one to the Library and Reading Room and Lincoln Hall on 
D St. ; the smaller, on 9th st. 

The Free Reading Room and Library and the Parlors of the 
Association {open to the public every day except Sunday^ from 
9 a. m. to \0 p. m.) are on the second floor under the Hall, en- 
trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., 
including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the 
country. The Washington City Librarj^, founded in 1814, 
has been consolidated with it. 

On the same floor is Lincoln Hall, the flnest lecture or con- 
cert hall in the city, which will seat about 1,300 people. 
During each winter a course of lectures is given under the 
auspices of the Association. In its scientific eoinse, the As- 
socLition is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition 
to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for i-eligious and 
social gatherings of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
which are held twice daily, at noon and 6 p. m. Open to all. 

Willard's Hall, on F st., between 14th and 15th sts. W., 
also aflbrds excellent accommoflations for concerts or theatri- 
cals. 



K^EVVSPAPER OFFICES. 

The buildings ocGuined by two of the principal newspapers 
of the city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in 
size, with the best structures of the kind in the country. 



INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 



201 



UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

^ The public institutions of tiie national Capital aflford un- 
rivaled facilities for professional and collegiate education. 




NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE. 

The National Medical College of the Columbian University. 
on H St., between IStli and 14th sts. N. W., was founded in 
1824. Tiie building was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 1864, 
cost $40,000, was originally intended for a mechanics' library 
and lectures, contains two lecture rooms, with aute rooms, 
chemical laboratory., and dissecting room. In wintei- tlie Jan- 
itor will admit visitors. The Dispensary is open dail}', except 
Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m., to tlie poor. The Laiv Dej)art- 
ment, Columbian University^ established 1826. occupies a 
building on 5tli St., between D and E sts. N. W, 

The Medical and Laio Departments of Georgetown College. 
respectively established in 1851 and 1870, occup.y buildings 
on the corner of lOtli and E sts. and F between 9th and 10th 
sts. N. W. In the former is tlie Central Dispeiisary., open 
daily, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m. 

The Gonzaga College., on I, between North Capitol and 
1st sts. N. W., was founded in 1848 as the Washington Sem- 
inary, and incorporated as a university in 1858. It is con- 
ducted by the f atiiers of the Society of Jesus, for day scholars 
only. 



202 



SCHOOLS. 



SCHOOLS. 



The Public Schools are among the prominent features of the 
^rational Capital. Of the buildings are the Franklin., 1st dis- 
trict, cor. 13th and K sts. KW., briclv, 148 X 79 ft., basement 
and three stoi4es, erected in 1869, and contains 14 school-rooms. 
This is said to be one of the linest school buildings in the Uni- 
ted States. Tlie Seaton, 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and 3d sts. 
NW.. brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 
1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania a v., bet. 7th 
and 8th sts. SE., briclv, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- 
ries, erected in 1864. Tlie Jefferson., 4th district, cor. of 6tli 
and D sts. SW., briclv, 172 X 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, 
with 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is tbe largest 
school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. 
It is named after Tliomas Jefferson, President of tlie United 
States, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public 
Schools of Washington, and president of the same 180o-'08. 
Tliere are also fine grounds. 

In the four school districts there are 43 school building's, 
owned or rented by the city. The oldest still standing was 
erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. 

The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by 
white chiklren. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public 
schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable 
associations of the JSTorth. 

The fii'st building was erected in 1866, on the square now 
occupied by the Sumner building. 

The Sumner Building., on the NE. corner of M and 17th 
sts. NW., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 
94 ft. long, by 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stones, and 
a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 
public schools for colored children. 

The annual expenditures are about $318,000, One third 
of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school 
population is 17,403. In 1805 the revenues for the support 
of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on 
slaves, dogs, licenses for cariiages and hacks, ordinaries and 
taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers 
and pedlei-s, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 
there were the E. and W. academies. In. 1826 the schools 
were supported by lottery. There is now a school tax. The 
public scliools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the 
dedication of the Wallach building, in 1864. 



ASYLUMS. 



ASYI.UMS. 



:u^ 



There are a number of piiblie and private institutions for the 
destitute and sick. 

Naval Hospital {open after 12 noon^ during the week, if no 
severe cases) occupies the square between 9th and 10th sts. 
E. and E st. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from 
the Pennsjdvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at 
E St. The hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery of the Navy deoartment, and is open to officers and 
men of the navy and marine corps. The building consists 
of a three-story brick edifice, v^^ith mansard, and possesses 
accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for 
convalescents. A medical director in the navj'^ is in charge.^ 
Naval discipline is observed. 

National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on Gr st. be- 
tween 17th and 18th sts. NW., {open to visitors every day, 
except Sunday, after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated by Congress 
in 1866, and is supported by Government appropriations. It 
is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for 
the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- 
diers or sailors who were killed or died of wounds in the re- 
bellion of 1861-'65. No applicants are received younger than 
6 years, nor retained after 16 years. 

Oolnmbia Hospital for Women, and Lying-in Asylum^ 
incorporated 1866, {visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays, from 
10 a. m. to 4 p. m.,) is on the corner of L and 2oth sts. NW. 
The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- 
diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General ; to women of 
other States, on permit of the Secretary of the Interior ; and 
to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There 
are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for 
the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected 
with the hospital is an operating room, used for free patients 
only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of 
medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary, 
open every day, where the poor receive medicines and treat- 
ment free. The institution is principally supported by the 
National Government. 

Washington Asylum {open every day, except Sunday) is sit- 
uated in the extreme E. portion of the city, on the public 
reservation, No. 17, laid out for the purpose. It may be 
reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 



204 



ASYLUMS. 



av. street cars (i*ed) at that point. The uistitiition combines 
an asylum for the poor of the District, and a work-house for 
persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except 
theft. There are accommodations in the brick bnildino;s for 
180 persons. The first building was erected in 1815, but the 
present one in 1859. On the ^N". is the District jail, andS. the 
District nursei-ies, and beyond, the Army and IS'avy maga 
zines. About ^ m. distant, SW., is the "Congressional" 
Cemeter3\ 

Louise Home, {open to visitors every day^ except Sunday^ 
after 12 noon^) erected in 1871, was the gift of Mr. Corcoran. 
It is situated on Massachusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. 
W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- 
ment, but reduced to poverty. It is named after the wife 
and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- 
ing, a commodious structure, was erected and furnished un- 
der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the 
grounds, cost $200,000, and has accommodations for 55 per- 
sons. The institution is under the direction of a board of 
trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The inmates 
are invited by the board of directresses. 

Providence G-eneral Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., {open 
every day ^ from 10 to 12 a m. and 2 to 4 p. m.) The hospital 
is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It 
was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the pi^sent 
building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. long, of 
brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the 
erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., 
Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- 
propi'iation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons 
receive permits from the Surgeon G-eneral of the Army, but 
any one applying is taken in. The acconnnodations for pay 
patients are very superior. There is a medical staff of 12 
plij'-sicians ; also, a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- 
ating-room. 

The Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 3d 
sts. N'W.. was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, wife of the 
President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. 
Van Ness second. It was incorporated in 1828, and the cor- 
ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van ISTess on 
Miusolenm square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. NW., the 
bm-ial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc- 
cupied by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under 
the direction of the benevolent ladies of the city. The present 



ASYLUMK. 205 

building is but temporarilj^ occupied, tliat ei-ected for the per- 
manent use of the Asyhini beinii; now rented by the Depait- 
ment of State. 

Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. NW., {visit- 
ing days Sundays^ Tuesdays^ and Fridays^ from 3 to op. m.,) 
incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronag'o of benevo- 
lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and has for its object 
the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for tlie 
helpless cliildren of the District between the ages of 15 mos. 
and 15 yrs. Admissions through tlie Board Pljysicians. The 
sick of tlie City Orphan Asylum are also treated liere. There 
is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all 
every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. 

St. John's Hospital, for children, {visiting days Mondays 
and Thursdays., from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on I, bet. 20tli and 21st 
sts. NW., is under the St. Jolm's Sisterhood of tiie Episcopal 
Cluircli. Tlie Hospital will sliortly occupy its new premises, 
on n, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, founded in 1863, is on the corner 
of K and 2Jrth sts. NVV., [visiting days Thursdays., from 2 ^o 5 
p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charity, 
and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a 
lying-in hospital attached. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, {visit- 
ing days Saturdays., from 2to o p. m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th 
sts. NW., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. 
The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 years of age, 
are sent here. The building previously belonged to the 
Washington City Orphan Asylum, and was purchased in 
1866. 

St, Vincent's Pemale Orphan Asylum, founded m 1831, 
{visiting every day., except Saturday and Sunday., bet. 9 and 11 
a. w.,) is on the SW. cor. of H and 10th sts. NW. It is under 
the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the 
female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. 

A branch of this asylum, St. Eose''s Orphan Home, estab- 
lished in 1871, and ovnied and cared for by the Sisters of 
Charity, is situated on G, bet. 20th and 21st sts.'NW. Here 
the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. 
It is open at anj time, and sewing of all Ivinds for ladies and 
children is taken. 

The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th 
sts. W. 



CEMETERIES. 



The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the 
Poor, is on the NW. cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. 



CEMETEKIES. 

Two squares known as tlie Eastern and Western Burial- 
igrounds, were allotted by the Government, in the beginning 
fit the present century, for the hiterment of the dead. The 
Eastern^ wiiich stood in the eastern part of the city, was re- 
moved a few years since. The Western^ later known as 
V Holmead Cemetery^ on 19th st., bet. S and T sts. NW., is be- 
aig removed. Here, for 40 years, rested the remains of Lo- 
renzo Dow, removed to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1874. 

Congressional (or Washington Parish) Cemetery, {open every 
days except Sunday^) is situated on the banks of the Anacos- 
tia, and is accessible from the Washington and Georgetown 
Street Railway East, 
along E. St. S., dis- 
tant ^ m. The Cem- 
etery, laid out in 
1807, originally com- 
prised about 10 a., 
but now embraces 30 
a. The name Con- 
gressional originated 
from the fact that a 
number of sites are 
set apart for the in- 
terment of members 
of Congress, in re- 
turn for Government 
donations of land and 
money. The small 
freestone cenotaphs, 
to the memory of de- 
ceased members of 
Congress, form a conspicuous feature. The grounds are 
adoi-iied ^vith drives, walks, trees, slu-ubs, evergreens, and a 
large fountain. 

The oldest graves lie N". of the lodge, and are of date 1804-5. 
Near the superintendent's lodge is the grave of Commodore 
Tingey, second in command in the Algerine war. In the JSTE. 
portion lies George Clinton, of New York, Vice President 
of theUrited States, died in 1811, and Elbridge Gei-ry, of Mass- 




CONGEES.SIONAL C£METEEY, CENOTAPHS. 



CEMETERIES. 



20: 



achusetts, signer of th(3 Declaration of Independence and 
Vice President of the United States, died in 1814. This 
monument was erected by act of Congress. Kot far otf is 
the grave of Tobias Lear, private secretary and friend of 
George Wasliington, died in 1816. Near by are the graves 
of John Forsytli, Secretary of State, and Commodore Mont- 
gomery. On the 1. of tlie wallv is the monument of Pus-raa- 
ta-ha, a Cltoctaw chief, the wliite man's friend, who died at 
Washington in 1824. Fmtlier on is tlie monument to Wil- 
liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, 
died 1834. On the 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, 
is the grave of Genei-al Alexander Macomb, Commander-in- 
chief of the United States Army, wdio died 1841. This mon- 
ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately 
embellished and inscribed. A few feet oif stands a broken 
shaft over the remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. 

In the same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- 
shur, Secretarj'" of the ISTavy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, 
died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of 
the gTcat gun on board the United States frigate Princeton. 
A few paces off stands the collossal monument to Joseph 
Lovel, Surgeon General of the United States Army, died 
1836. Near by is the monument erected to Major General 
George Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- 
ence," 1861, and to Frederick Rogers, midshipman in the 
United States Navj'-, drowned at Norfolk, Va., 1828, while 
making efforts to save Midshipmen Slidell and Harrison, his 
friends and companions in life and death. 

Among others are the Wainwright family, consisting of 
Commodore Richard Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. R. Auch- 
matty Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of the 
United States Navj''. All of these lie in the Wainwriglit 
vault, in the southern extremity of the grounds. In the S. 
portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Bache, Superin- 
tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- 
ble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George 
Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates, 
who perished at sea on September 3, 1846, in a hurricane. 
Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies 
killed by the arsenal explosion. 

The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the 
District are also in this cemetery. 

The public vault, erected by Congress, lies SE. of the 
entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive 
structure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a 
passage to a second iron door. 



208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 



DISTKICT GOVERNMENT. 

The provisional goverument of tlie District of Columbia 
occupies a buildincr on 4J st. W., near Pennsylvania av. It 
is proposed to erect a suitable edifice on the space immedi- 
ately N. of the Centre Market. 

Fire Department.— The force consists of 5 Steam Fire En- 
gines, 1 Hook and Ladder Company, w'th ofl^cers and 4 
horses and 10 men to each Engine. The- service is under a 
Board of Fire Comniibsioncrs. There is also a Fire Alarm 
Telegraphy with the Central Station at Police Headquarters. 
The buildings were erected by the city, and have every con- 
venience. The foreman will show visitors everj'thing of 
interest. The companies are located, No. 1, K St., bet. 16th 
and 17th W. ; No. 2, D st., near 12th NW. ; No. 3, Capitol 
Hill, Delawai'e av. NE. of the Capitol: No. 4, Virginia av., 
bet. 4| and 6th sts. SW. ; No. 5, High st., near Bridge; 
Hook and Ladder, Massachusetts av., bet. 4th and 5th sts. 

In the early days housekeepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, 
with their names, for each story. In i8j5 there were two fire engines, and in 1846 
seven. In 1861 the National Government engaged the services of the Hibernia 
Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first steamer to Washington, 
as a means of protection for the immense quantities of Government stores. In 1864 
the paid system went into operation. The Government then owned three steam fire 
engines, and the corporation three, and one Hook and Ladder Company. In 1869 
the Government steamers were withdrawn. 

Metropolitan Police — This was established in 1861. In 
1866 a police telegraph was constructed. The police force 
consists of 238 officers and men, with duties extending 
throughout the entire District. There are 8 precincts. 

District Jail —The present jail of the District of Columbia 
is a three-storied brick structure, on reservation No. 9, and 
on tiie SW. corner of G and 4th sts. A new Jail, more suita- 
ble to the necessities of the District, is being erected on Res- 
ervation No. 13, immediately N. of the Washington Asylum. 

The plan has an outer range of one-storied buildings of solid masonry, forming 
the enclosure of the jail proper. The latter is built of Maryland (Seneca) stone, 
brick, and iron, four stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, jco in all. Be- 
tween the inner building and the outer walls there is a space of i6 ft. under the 
surveillance of the guards. 

The building is 310 by 193 ft., and from the stone base to the main cornice 50 ft. 
high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the 
building are ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with steam pipes 
under each tier of cells, preserve a regular temperature. The centre of the building 
forms a guard room 77 x 61 ft., from the floor of which springs the staircases to 
each tier of cells. The W. projection contains the warden's office, guard and 
witness rooms; the E., a chapel and kitchen ; the basement, the laundry and bath 
rooms. The structure was designed by A. B. Mullett, commenced in 1872, and 
cost $400,000. It can be easily converted into a penitentiary. 



THE MARKETS. 209 



THE MAEKETS. 

The country arouiid the National Capital produces fine 
vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and 
Chesapeake Bay afford not only fish and oj^sters unexcelled 
and in great quantities, but admirable facilities for supplying 
the Marlvets vrith tlie earlier produce of more southern lati- 
tudes. The best qualities of meats and tlie finest game, 
aquatic and field, fire also oifered for sale at cheaper rates 
than other large cities. There are four principal markets in 
the city, two already accommodated with very fine perma- 
nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most 
interesting place for a visit. 

The largest is the Centre Mai'ket^-erected by the Washington 
Marlvet Company in 1870, comprising three commodious brick 
structures — a central building and two wings — length from 
E. to W., 410 ft., and which occupy the S. half of the square 
betw^een Ttli and 9th sts. W., on the S. side of Pennsylvania 
av., and accessible by horse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th 
sts. Market every day. 

The Eastern Market, on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th 
St. E. and Nortii Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a 
fine la^'ge brick structure. ^ 

The Western Market, on K between 20th and 21st sts. NW., 
and the Northern Market, between 6th and 7th and O and P 
sts. NW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick struc- 
tures of large dimensions are now in coiu-se of erection for 
tiieir accommodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, 
tliere were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre 
Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the 
site originally set apart. 

The Northern Liberty Market, on 5th, bet. K and L sts. 
NW., J. H. McQill, architect, erected 1874-'5 by the ISTorth- 
ern Liberty Marlvet Company, is one of the finest market 
structures in the United States. It is of brick, 324 ft. long, 
126 ft.' wide, and 105 ft. total lieight. The roof rests upon 
massive iron girders, the largest of the kind in the world, 
which form an imposing arch the entire width of the build- 
ing. In tlie butchers' portion tliere are 28 sections, 17 x 19 ft., 
each containing 4 stalls. Cost, $140,000. On the E. is a 
paved space for the accom mo elation of market wagons. 

14 



210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 



PLACES OF HISTOEICAL mTEKEST. 

The residence of Gen. J. P. Van ^Ness still stands on what 
was known as Mansion Square, about 6 a., at the foot of 17th 
St. W., between B and C sts. IST., and where the Tiber then 
emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously the 
residence of David Burns, one of the original proprietors of 
the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance through 
several generations of Scottish ancestors, what now consti- 
tute the tinest portions of the city. Gen. Van Ness, a repre- 
sentative from ISTew York, bj^ his marriage, about 1802, with 
Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Burns estate, enlarged the 
buildings, erected green houses, planted trees and fruits, and 
made otlier improvements, then considered very superior. 
The place was then one of the finest in' the country. The 
square is enclosed by a brick wall, with a fine gateway and 
two lodges. Many of the venerable trees are still growing. 
The Van N'ess warehouse, on the line of 17th St., is still stand- 
ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just 
S. of it. Attorney General William Wirt occupied the fine 
old mansion, now the N'ational Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan 
Asylum, on G St., between 17th and 18th sts. W. The Old 
Capitol, now converted ii^to private residences, stands on the 
KW. corner of A and 1st sts. ISTE. Congress met here after 
the burning of the Capitol in 1814. During the war it was 
used as a political prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- 
sonville, was executed here. 

On I^orth Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., stands 
the venerable mansion of Duddington, owned by Daniel Car- 
roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, 
and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- 
perintend the building of the city. 



SECTION Y. 



ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON. 



EORGETOWN, the port of entry of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, population 15,000, lies N". W. 
of Washington, separated by Rock creek, and is at 
the head of navigation of the Potomac river. It 
was laid out by Geor2;e Gordon and Gooro-e Beall, 
and incorporated in 1789. The site is ijeculiarly 
picturesque. The "'• heights,'''' dotted witli villas, 
overlook a vast sweep of country, the Potomac and adjacent 
Capital. Georgetown before 1800 enjoyed considerable local 
importance^ and a brisk river, coast, and foreign commerce. 





Ctpyright^ 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

GEORGETOWN AND AQUEDUCT. 

Georgetown may be reached from Washington by the 
Metropolitan^ F st., (Georgetown cars,) and the Washington 
and Georgetown, Pennsylvania av. horse cars. Arriving by 
the former at Washington st., a short walk leads to Oak 

ill Cemetery, {open every day except Sundays and holidays, 
rom sunrise to sunset.) The original grounds, 10 a., incor- 
porated by Congress, 1849, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 



212 



Gi:ORGETOWN. 




VAN NESS MAUSOLEUM. 



from whom it has an endownent of $120,000. The present 
area is 30 a. It occupies a romantic spot, formerly Parrott'S 
woods, on the north- 
ern slope of George- 
town Heights, at the 
base of which winds 
Rock creek, and has a 
fine chapel and public 
vault of the time of 
Henry VHI. 

Here is the Van Ness Mau- 
soleum, designed by Hadfield, 
after the Temple of Vesta at 
Rome, erected by Gen. Van 
Ness, and containing the re- 
mains of the General and his 
wife, Marcia Van Ness, nee 
Burns, of the family of David 
Burns, oue of the original pro- 
prietors of Washington. It 
formerly stood on H, bet. 9th and loth sts. NW., Washington. In this Cemetery 
are the Corcoran Mausoleum, in white marble, Linthicum Memorial Chapel, the 
graves of Chief Justice Chase, Stcretary Stanton, Generals Towson, of the war of 
1812, Plummcr and Reno, killed in i86i-'65. Commodore Morris* distinguished in 
the Algerinc war, and Lorenzo Dow, the religious enthusiast, removed from Hoi 
mead Cemetery in 1S74. 

Returning to the same line of street-cars, and alighting on 
the r. side, at Market st., at the head of the street is the George- 
town High-Service Reservoir. The same point may be reached 
by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- 
ing Road St. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical 
reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter, with a capacity of 
1,000,000 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the 
bridge over Rock creek by 2 pumps. The surface-water is 
215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above the Distributing Reservoir. 
It supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. 

Descending the st. a short distance towards the city, and 
following the track to Fayette st., on the opposite corner is 
the Convent of the Visitation^ founded in 1799, but not now 
open to visitors. The Academy^ under the care of the Sisters 
of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies 
the building on the N"., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors 
on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 noon. The entrance 
is by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- 
ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- 
partments : primary for girls from 6 to 12 years, and senior, 
for j^oung ladies of all school ages. There is a fine philosoph- 
ical apparatus, chemical laboratory, and library. The Acade- 
my grounds comjjrise 40 a. Attached to the Convent is a vatrijt 
containing the remains of Archbishop I^eale, secoftd Bishop 
of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, the daughter of 
Madame Yturbide, and the daughter of Gen. Winfield Scott, 




faaiiiiiP'"''' 



214 GEORGETOWN. 

a religieuse of the order. It is the oldest in the country. 
At the W. end of 2d st., Georgetown, is Georgetown College^ 
{open every day except Sunday^) founded in 1789, raised to a 
University in 1815, and the oldest Koman Catholic College 
in the countrj^. It is under the care of the Fathers of the ' 
Society of Jesus. 

The original building, of imported brick, is still standing on the S., and is flanked 
by two of more modern construction. Boys of all ages are received and carried 
through an entire course of instruction. The library contains 30,000 volumes, 
amongst which are many rare and curious works. ' There are 100 volumes printed 
between 1460 and 1520, and three manuscripts anterior to 1400, and others later. In 
the Museum is a valuable collection of coins and medals and relics of Commodore 
Decatur. The Observatory is 400 yds. distant, on the W. (For Medical and Law 
Departments scs page 201.) 

There are also fine Custom and Market Houses^ Post Office^ 
and many beautiful church edifices. On 2d and Potomac sts. 
is the Public School^ 79x97 ft., built 1874, of Potomac Seneca 
stone, brick, and iron ; has 3 stories, basement, and Mansard, 
was designed by Adolf Cluss, and cost $70,000. 

The building contains 8 school-rooms, a room for the Linthkum Institute and the 
Peabody Library^ and a Hall capable of seating 900 persons. The Linthicum Insti- 
tute was founded in 1872 by Edward Linthicum, a retired hardware merchant of 
Georgetown, deceased 1872, who by will left $50,000 for the education of poor 
white boys. The Peabody Library fund^ $22,000, was one of the numerous bene- 
factions of the American philanthropist and millionaire George Peabody. 

At the foot of the hill is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

The Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland In 1784, completed a canal before 
iSooaround the Little and Great Falls. These efforts were followed by the eharter, 
by Congress, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. 
Work was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of tide-water on the 
Potomac with the head of navigation on the Ohio, a distance of 360 m. In 1841 
the canal was opened lo Cumberland, 182 m., at a cost of $13,000,000, of which 
Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, Washington, 1,000,- 
000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and Virginia, each, $250,000. Cumberland re- 
mains the terminus. The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. 
There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and averaging 8 ft. lift; ri 
aqueducts crossing the Monocacy river, consisting of 7 arches of 54 ft. span ; also 190 
culverts of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of the passage of 
wagons. The canal is fed by a number of dams across the Potomac, varying from 
500 to 800 ft. in length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of the canal is 
60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and for the remaining distance to Cum- 
berland 50 ft., with a uniform depth of 6 ft. The entire lift is about 600 ft The 
aqueducts, locks, and culverts are constructed of stone laid in hydraulic cement. 
The tunnel through the "Pawpaw Ridge" is 3,118 ft. in length and 24 ft. in diam- 
eter, with an elevation of 17 ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal con- 
nects with Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or filled, extended 
across Washington to the Anacostia. The canal to Cumberland opens the im- 
mensely valuable and rich coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. 
The unfinished portion of the canal trom Cumberland to Pittsburg is 178 m. 

The Alexandria Canal., incorporated by Congress in 1830, 
crosses the Potomac on a fine Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 
ft. above high water. The piers are embedded 17 ffc. in the 
bottom of the river, and are capable of resisting the immense 
weiglit of ice thrown against them b}^ the current of the river 
in winter. 

A very interesting feature of the city are the coal wharves^ 



ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 

where the coal is transhipped Into schooners for transporta- 
tion to the ports on the Atlantic seaboard. Georgetown is 
one of the largest shad and herring markets in the United 
States. The manufacturing interests of the city are small. 

At the E. end of Bridge st. is Rock-creek Bridge^ coiuiect- 
ing the two cities. 

It consists of a 200-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lateral 
courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and i^/^ in in thickness. The 
arch is supported on massiv* abutments of sandstone. The pipes convey the water 
of the Aqueduct across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road and horse 
railway. Here the Pennsylvania av. street cars may be taken back to Washington. 

Analostan, or Mason's Island, the large tract in the Potomac 
river, opposite Georgetown, contains 70 a., and ^^'as the res- 
idence of Gen. John Mason, commissarj^ general of prisoners 
in the war of 1812. 

The Mansion still stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The now neg- 
lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway on the Virginia side and 
ferry-boat from Georgetown in former times airorded communication with the main 
land. James M. Mason, Confederate Commissioner to Europe, was born on the island. 

Arlington House and National Cemetery.— (Ope/i to visit- 
ors tvery day.) Arlington House, from 1802, was the resi- 
dence of George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of 
Gen. Washington, and in late years of Gen. Kobert E. Lee, 
till 1861. It is on the Virginia shore of the Potomac, on the 
summit of a hill, 200 ft. above the river. It is about 4 m. from 
the Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the 
Aqueduct bridge . The view of Washington is without a rival. 
The center building, 60 ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., gives 
a frontage of 140 ft. In front is a portico 60 ft. long and 
25 ft. deep. The pediment rests on 8 doric columns (6 in 
front) 5 ft. in diameter and 26 ft. high, built of brick, stuc- 
coed. The design was from drawing's of the temple at Paes- 
tum, near Naples. On the S. are the gardens and conserva- 
tory. In the rear are the kitchens, slave qu:\i-ters, and stables. 

In the mansion, when occupied by its former possessors, were valuable pictures and 
other objects of historic interest, including two Vandykes, one by Sir Godfrey 
Kneller, painted 1707, representing Col. Parke, a fine engraving of the Death of 
Chatham, by Copely, and of Napier, the inventor of the logarithms, presented by 
the Earl of Buchan, and addressed to ^'Marshal" General Washington, announc- 
ing that Louis XVI had created the General a Marshal of France; that he might be 
of sufficient rank to command the veteran Count de Rochambeau ; also a death of 
Wolfe, presented to Washington by West ; the Mount Vernon plate, bearing the 
arms and crest of Washington. The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as 
first President, slept during his whole presidency, and on which he breathed his 
last, on December 14, 1799; china having the names of the votes of the old Confed- 
eration ; a service also bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
andreiics from the home of Washington. These were taken away by the family. 

Of original pictures of WasJn'nrjton there were four at Ar- 
lington. The earliest was by Charles Wilson Peale, fjainted 
in 1772, represented the subject as a provincial colonel; the 
second by Houdon, taken after the Rin'olution; the third, 
by Madame de Brienne. heads of Washington and La- 



216 FORT WHIPPLE. 

fayette, date about the same as Houdon, and the fourth, a 
profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of other 
originals is the equestrian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, in 
the City Hall, N". Y., and a crayon by M-. WiEiams, from 
sittings in 1794, lost. There are three originals by Stuart, 
the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from which many copies 
have been made, t]ie full length for the Marquis of Lans- 
downe, and one for ]Mi-s. Washington. Ceracci, the sculptor, 
about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washington 
and the other of ILirailton. In 1795 both the elder and the 
younger Peale had sittings. 

Arlington House in its halcyon days was famed for its 
hospitality. The last proprietor. Gen. Lee, came in posses- 
sion through his wife, who was the daughter of INIr. Custis. 
Havmg gone over to the rebellion against the ISTational Govern- 
ment, and become its military chieftain, trie estate, upwards 
of 1,000 a., was abandoned. • In 1863 it was sold under the 
confiscation act, and in 1864 was taken possession of by the 
I^atlonal Government. About 200 a. were set apart as a 
Nalioiial Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiers of 
tlie army. The Cemetery was formally establisbed in 1867.' 
In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an amphitheatre, capable 
of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and designed 
for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration day. 

The grounds were laid out with special reference to the 
purposes in view. The bodies of nearly 16,000 soldiers, from 
many a battle-field in Virginia and tlie hospitals at the capital, 
liere find a fitting resting place . Ttie W. Cemetery is devoted 
to white, and the JST. to colored troops. A siiort distance S. 
of mansion is a granite sarcojjhagus, surmounted hj cannon 
and halls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknown 
soldiers gathered after the war from tise fields of Bull Kun 
and tlie route to the Rappahannock. The carriage entrance 
is on the SE., through a freestone gateway of composite 
order, erected in 1873. On. the frieze are suitable inscrip- 
tions, and over the arch "Here rest 15,585 of the 315,558 
citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 to 
1865." On the 1. of the road leading from the main gate- 
way towards the river is the once-famous Custis spring. 
In 1850 it was visited from the capital by thousands of resi- 
dents and strangers. The forest which sheltered its limpid 
waters was felled for the uses of the army dtmng the re- 
bellion. 

Fort Whipple^ reached by the road to the r. soon after 
crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a short distance ]?^1V , 
of Arlington House. It is now a station for the instructioit 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 



of oflScers and men in amiy signalling. It was built diiriag 
the rebellion, and constitnted portion of the defenses cover- 
ing the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate 
Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-lb. l!^apoleoii 
guns and 4 12-lb. howitzers. 

The Aqueduct and G-reat Falls of the Potomac— One of 
the most interesting excursions out of Washington is the drive 
by the Aqueduct to the G-reat Falls of the Potomac. 

Table of distances fram the 
Navy-yard to XhtGreat Falls : 
From the Navy-yard to the 
E. front of the Capitol, \% 
mj to Rock-Creek Bridge, 4 
3-5 m ; College-Pond Bridge, 
5 3-5m; Foundry Branch, 6 
m ; Pipe Vault Dist. Res, 
6J^ m ; Influent Gate House, 
7 m ; Waste Weir, 'j]/^ m j 
Gate House Rec. Res., 9 m ; 
Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9 
1-5 m ; Brooks's Road, 9% 
m ; Cabin John Bridge, I2/^ 
m : Mountain-Spring Bridge. 
^lA ^ '■> CulvertNo. iz, 14'/! 
m ; Road at Radcli.T's, 1^3^ 
m ; Junction Road, 16 3-5 
m ; Bridge No. 2, 17 1-5 m j 
Bridge No. i, 173^ m ; Ov- 
erfall No. I. i6 m ; Waste 
Weir No. i, iS'4 m ; Great 
Falls Gate House, 18)^ m. 

E ntering George- 
town from Pennsyl- 
vania av. the Aque- 
duct may be reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new 
road to the Distributing Reservoir^ a distance of 2 m. 

The water surface of the reservoir is J3 a; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth of 
II ft., and 300,000,000 galls, at 24 ft ; elevation, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy- 
yard. 

From this point the water is carried by iron mains into the city. [See Water Sup- 
ply, p. 46.] The Aqueduct terminates here, the influent gate-house standing on 
the N W. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influi3nt and affluent gate- 
houses on the N. which may be used indepejidently of the reservoir. 

The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical conduit, of 9 ft. in- 
ternal diameter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in hy- 
draulic cement, and covered by an embankment or tunneled 
through tlie hills, and is carried across the "Streams by means 
of magnificent bridges, and has a faU of 9|^in. to the m. The 
capacity of the conduit, fall, is 80 000,000 galls, every 24 hrs. 
The present mains carry off 30,000,^^00 galls. ; the consump- 
tion, however, is but 17,000,000. 

From the Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, 2 m. 
on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to Receiving Resei-voir. 




THE GRE\T r\LLb OF THE POIOM^C 



218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OP THE POTOMAC. 



The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac 
and the Little Falls. The Receiving Reservoir^ a natural basin, formed by an em- 
bankment 65 ft. high, across Powder-Mill Creek, retains the water within the en- 
circling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a surface area of 52, a., a greatest 
depth of SI ft., and drains 40,000 a. of the adjacent country.- The Sluice Tower is 
in tile S. enc^. . A conduit extends around the S. side, connecting the Aqped^ct, 
without passing through the Receiving Reservoir. The capacity Is 165,000,000 galls. 
The NW. boundary of the District crosses the Reservoir just beyond the. Sluice 
Tower. The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a channel cut in the 
solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a tunnel 8oo ft. in length, and pierced 
through solid rock. 

Resuming the embankment, Cabin-John Bridge is reached. 
3 m. distant. 

This magnificent struc- 
ture springs the chasm of 
Cabin-John Creek at a 
height of io( ft. The 
bridge is erected of im- 
mense blocks of granite, 
with Seneca parapets and 
coping, and leaps the ra- 
vine in a single arch of 
220 ft. with 57}^ ft. rise 
from the springing line. 

The bridge is 20 ft. 
wide, and its extreme 
length 420 ft. It cost 
^237,000. This magnifi- 
cent work of art is un- 
equalled in the history of 
bridge building. It is the 
largest stone arch in the 
world ; the second being 
that of the Grovesner 
Bridge, with a span of 200 
ft. v/hich crosses the river 
Dee. One mile above is 
Mountain- Spring Brook^ 
crossed by a beautiful el- 
liptical arch of masonry, 
75 ft span. The bridge 
is 200 ft. long, and cost 
$76,000. From this point 
the Aqueduct is conducted by means of 2 tunnels. 

About 33^ m. from the Great Falls a road leads ^ound the hills. Before reaching 
the falls the scenery becomes exceedingly picturesque. The river is divided into 
two channels by Cupid's Bower and Bear Islands, the latter the upper. At the falls 
the river is again formed into two channels by Conn's and Great Falls islands, the 
former the upper, and forms the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the former 
is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates. This dam, should there be oc- 
casion, will be extended to the Virginia side. The Government owns the water- 
right, having 5 a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of stone.' The 
total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 galls, in 24 hrs. At this point the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is carried over the Aqueduct. 

At the Grecu Falls the Potomac breaks through the mountain in a channel nar- 
rowing to 100 yds. in width, and bounded on the Virginia side by perpendicular 
rocks 70 ft. high. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a descent of 80 
ft. in l]/^ m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. At a distance of 4 m. it widens, 
and its agitated waters quiet into an unbroken current. About 10 m. below, at 
the Little Falls^ about 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a descent of 37 ft. 
in a series of cascades. Released from the mountains, after passing Georgetown, the 
river widens into the lake-like stream which wc have seen in front cf Washington. 




CABIN-JOHN BRIDGE. 



COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 219 

There is a fine view of the Falls from cither side, the ledges and rugged boulder* 
appearing to advantage. Mingling with the wild aspect of nature is the eedar, oak, 
willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawberries in season are found in 
great abundance. The most venomous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is en- 
chanting, great masses of ice piled up on either side, and the rocks and trees frosted 
with spray, form a charming surrounding for the boiling torrent in the channel. 

HlStOrVi — Surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major 
L'Enfant, under the direction of Washington. In 1S50 surveys were made by Col. 
Hughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Washington 
Aqueduct was broken by President Pierce on Nov. 8, 1853, in the presenceof a large 
assemblage of officials and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; number of 
culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels, 12, the longest l,4?8 ft. Total, 6,653 ft. Bridges 6, viz, 
cut stone, 4, and iron truss, 2. In Georgetown is a high-service reservoir 120 ft. 
in diameter. The work was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S. Corps of 
Engineers, and cost 3,500,000. The Aqueduct is the third in rank in the United 
States. 

Kalorama.— The residence of Joel Barlow, 1805-'ll, author, 
poet, politician, and diplomat, who died in Poland, 1812, 
stands on the brow of a beautiful hill, NW. of Washington 
and near the Metropolitan horse railway^ Georgetown branch,^ 
at the P St. bridge over Rock Creek. 

About 5 min. walk from the W. end of the P street bridge^ 
is a small brick vanity belonging to the Kalorama estate. 

In the vault are the remains of Judith Baldwin, wife of Joel Barlow, died i8i8» 
Henry Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of tht 
United States, died 1844; Abraham Baldwin, a Senator from Georgia, died 18075 
and George Bomford, Colonel of U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1848. The body of 
Commodore Decatur was also placed here, Mar. 24, 1820, two days after his fatal 
duel In 1846 Decatur's remains were removed to St. Peter's church burial ground, 
Philadelphia 

Meridian Hill.— N. of the city, at the terminus of 16th st. 
W., so named as being on the meridian of the District of Co- 
lumbia, indicated by the meridian stone, established imme- 
diately W. of the National Washington Monument. It was 
formerly the residence of Commodore Porter. A village is 
now growing upon its connnanding site. 

Oolumbian University. — ( Open to visitors.) Occupies a fine 
site N. of the city ; 5 min. walk from the N". terminus of the 
14th St. horse railway ; M'as incorporated as a college in 1821, 
began 1822, a university 1873. (For Medical and Law De- 
partments^ see page 201. 

The President and Chief Justice of the United States are honorary members of 
the Poard of Trustees and Overseers. The regular course of American universities, 
classical and scientific, is taught. The average number of students, including the 
preparatory school, is 300, from all parts of the United States. The grpunds com- 
prise 40 a., and, with the college edifice and other buildings, valued at $400,000. 
The main building is devoted to class-rooms, chapel, and dormitories. 

Howard University. — {Open to visitors.) Occupies a con- 
spicuous site N". of the city on the r. of the 7th st. road and 
may be reached by horse cars from the N. terminus of 7th 
and 9th sts. horse railways. It was incorporated in 1867 for 
the education of youth, without reference to sex or color. The 
pupils, liowever, are almost exclusively colored. 



220 



HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 




The University Lu'uding^ of patent brick, is 3 Gtories high, covered with a man- 
sard and to\/er, and ^ontains philosophic;:!, lecture and recitation rooms; library, mu- 
seum and offices. On the NE. is Miner Hall^ ladies' dormitories and dining rooms, 
named after Miss Miner, a teacher of colored children in the days of slavery, in the 
District. This lady left $5,000 invested in real estate in Washington ; since sold 
for $40,000, the interest of which is at present devoted to the norm.al department of 
the University. To the N. of the latter is the Normal Buildings and N. of the main 
building is Clarke Hall^ named after David Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentleman 
of large benevolence and a liberal friend to the University, These halls accommo- 
<iate 300 students. There are also residences for the professors. The grounds com- 
prise 35 a. Total value of property, $600,000. A short distance S. is the Medical 
Department and Freedmen''s Hospital^ rented and managed under the Interior De 
yartment. 



WAYLAND SEMINARY. 



22] 




Capitol Spring. — To the NE. of the Howard University is 
Smith's Spring, the waters of which were conducted in pipes 
to the Capitori^i 1830. (See Capitol Grounds.) 

Wayland Seminary.— (Open to visitors.) Occupies a com- 
manding position N. of tlie city on Meridian Hill, about 10 min, 
walk 'N. W. from the N. terminus of the 14th st. horse rail- 
way. 

The Institution was founded in 1S65 by the Baptist church for the education of 
colored preachers and teachers. The buildings which is of brick, three stories high, 
with basement, Mansard and lofty tower, was* erected in iS73-'4, cost ^35,000, 
paid out of voluntary contributions, and will accommodate zoo students. The 



222 



SOXDi:ERs HOME. 



work was done by colored labor. The Seminary is one of the seven schools in the 
South, established and fostered by tbe American Baptist Home Mission Sodety. 
Jt is not yet in full operation in the new building. 




WATLAND SEMINAKT. 

Soldiers' Home, {grounds open everyday,, except Sunday,,)\ies 
about 3 m. N". of the Capitol. It is one of tlie most- attractive 
drives around the city. It may be readied by pedestrians 
from the "toll-g-ate" on the 7th-st. road, wjiich point is ac- 
cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver Spring horse cars; the latter 
being a continuation of tlie former, though a separate line. 

The original site consisted of about 200 a., since ex- 
tended to 500 a. by purchases, including Harewood, the seat 
of W. W. Corcoran. The grounds are laid out in meadows, 
lakes, and 7 m. of beautiful drives. The main building, the 
dormitory, is of marble, Norman in design, and measures 
200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., used for a mess 



GRAVE OF MAJOR PETER CIiAhi.ES L HNi ANT. 1123 



room. On the lawn are a flag-staft" and cannon. On the 
E. of the main buildhig is an additional dornntory, the sta- 
bles, conservatory, and frnit garden. On the W. is the Riggs 

homestead, now the 
hospital, and near by 
the qnartcrs of the 
governor and oflicers 
of the institntioh . S. 
of this is the sur- 
geon's residence. 
SE .of tlie mai n bnild- 
_ ing is a beautiful Sen- 
g eca stone chapel, fin- 
ished in 1871. and 
gardener's lodge. In 
the distance S. is the 
new hospital, a com- 
modious brick struc- 
ture, and tlie build- 
ings close by are used 
by the farmer. The 
Home was tirst open- 
ed in 1851, and has 
The soldiers ke.p the 
The Home was the 




soldiers' home, main building. 



accommodations for 400 inmates 

roads in order and perform police duty 

favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, 

and Lincoln. 

On the brow of the hill, I m.W. of S. of the main building, 
raised on a granite pedestal, and facing the Capital, stands 
a statue of General Winjield Scott, at the time of his conquest 
of Mexico, by Launt Thompson, 1873, bronze, 10 ft. high, 
cast by R. Woods & Co., Philadelphia, Penna. Cost 818,000. 
Erected in 1874 by the Home. Through General Scott the 
Home was founded. From the site may be had an excellent 
view. 

In 1851 Congress appropriated out of the Treasury §118,791, the balance of $joo,- 
000 pillage money levied on the city of Mexico by General Winfield Scott, to go to 
the founding of a Military Asylum or Soldiers' Home. This fund was increased by 
forfeitures, stoppages, and fines against soldiers, and a tax of 25 now 12, cts. a month 
on eachvprivate soldier of the regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the 
regulars and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now is for the privates of the 
regular army, they alone contributing for its support. Pensioners surrender their 
pensions while at the Home. 

G-rave of Major Peter Charles L'Enfant, the designer of the 
])lan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat of 
George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillam Castle, 
now "Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 m. ISTE. 
of Washington. The grave is in the garden^ the burial ground 
of the Digges family, the previous proprietors. The latter 
have been removed. Ilie grave is without a marked stone. 



224 ROCK-GREEK CHURCn. 

Major L'Enfant wa8 born in France about 1755. He was a 
subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was 
made a captain of engineers in the Continental army. His 
gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannah, at- 
tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 he was pro- 
moted to major. In March, 1791, he was ordered to George- 
town to join Mr. Ellicott, the chief surveyor, with instructions 
*'to draw the site of the federal town and buildings." Not 
sharing in the practical views of the commissioners, who 
desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement 
to pm'chasers of lots, a controversy sprung up, which was 
aggravated by some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt 
to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of the commis- 
sioners, which interfered with the execution of his plan on 
the ground. These resulted in his dismissal, after a brief 
service of one year. In 1794 he was employed on Fort Mif- 
flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he w^as offered, in 1812, 
a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days 
of his life were spent around Washington. He found a home 
on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the summer of 1825, 
at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder 
beneath the "sod where the kind hand of charity laid them. 

Eock-Oreek Ohuroli and Cemetery.— (C/mrc^ services, Epis- 
copal, every Sabbath at 11 a. w., and Cemetery open every day, 
except Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- 
diers' Home on the jS"., and is easy of access from the horse 
cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the 
glebe, 100 a., the gift of John Bradford, about 1719. The 
church, which lies on the W., properly St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church, Rock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 
1775, and remodeled in 1868. The bricks were imported from 
England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. 
The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately 
around the church are a number of old graves, marked by 
rude stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- 
spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 ft. in diam- 
eter. The oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the 
Gramphin family, 1775. In this cemetery is the grave of Pe- 
ter Force, with a fine monument. 

National Military Cemetery, (open from sunrise to sunset,) 
lies ]Sr. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, and E. of Rock- 
Creek Cemetery. It was established in 1861, and contains 
5,424 interments : knoMai 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- 
ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. 
Adjoining, on the K., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 



BLADENSBURG. 225 

Glenwood Cemetery, (open every day except Sunday,) 1^ 
m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincoln av., 
reached from the Columbia st.-raihvay at N, Capitol St., dis- 
tance 1 m. It was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. 
The grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks. 
The public vault is a tine structure. Amos Kendall, 
Postmaster General 1835-'40 is buried here. Outside the 
grateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery, 17 a., incorporated in 
1860, St. Mary^s (Roman Catholic) Burying Ground, 3 a. 

Bladensburg, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., 
lies 6 m. N. E. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad 
and turnpike. It was founded about 1750, and named 
after Martin Blanden,one of the Lords' Commissioners of 
Trade and Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a 
place of some commercial and agricultural importance. 
In those days the Anacostia, upon which it stands, ad- 
mitted of navigation to the town. Over the stream was 
the bridge, and W. the field of the disastrous battle of Au- 
gust 24, 1814, which opened Washington to the enemy, 
and gave the name of Bladensburg a place in history. On 
the open ground was the position bravely defended by 
Commodore Barney and his gallant soldiers and marines. 

About I m. S. E. of the village, on the turnpike, was the notorious " duelling 
gronnd." The District line runs through the valley, thus enabling parties 
from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland. The most painful of 
all duels fought here was that between Commodores Decatur, the hero of the 
Algerine war, and Barron, in 1820, in which the former was mortally wounded. 
The spot was the scene of many other duels, but not of late years. The duel 
between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Roanoke, in 1826, took place on 
the Virginia shore of the Potomac river, near Washington. 

Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike, stood the family man- 
sion of George Calvert, the lineal descendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and 
National Deaf-Mute College, {open every day except Sun- 
day,) entrance at N. end of 7th st. E., also W. end M st. 
N. ; 10 minutes from Columbia horse R.R. The grounds, 
known as " Kendall Green," were previously the home 
of Amos Kendall, Postmaster General of the United States 
1835-'40. The first portion occupied was but a few acres 
and a small building, presented by Mr. Kendall. Sub- 
sequently, 25 acres were purchased, and in 1872 the entire 
estate of 100 acres. The grounds and b:iildings were 
vested in the United States as trustee. 

The institution, incorporated in 1857, has since been sustained by Congress 
as the institution where Government beneficiaries, viz., deaf-mute children of 
the District of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive free edu- 
cation. A collegiate department was organized in 1864 by Congress, and is 
named the National Deaf-Mute College. Both are open to both sexes. 



226 



DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 




THE COLUMBIA INSTITUTION FOK THE DEAF AND DUMB. 



The main central buildino-, dedicated in 1871, was tlie gift 
of the G-overnment. It is a fine specimen of the pointed 
Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., 
and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- 
terspersed with courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- 
ered with roofs of red and blue slate, laid in patterns and 
courses. 

The main entrance is under a recessed porch, formed by 
three pointed arches of alternate brown and wiiite sandstone 
blocks, supported by double sets of dwarf columns of highly 
polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved 
white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white 
and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- 
ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- 
can eagle, with tlie stars and stripes on the sliield over its 
breast. 

From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into 
the main hall, or chapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, 
with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored wood, with 
massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- 
ing frescoed in delicate tints in jplain panels. The walls, to 
about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled wain- 
scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform', 
and front, and folding-doors to match. The room is lighted 
by ten large stained-glass windows. 

Adjoining on the E., and separated from the chapel by 
eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture 
room. Over the slidins: doors is a solid white sandstone arch 



MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. --< 

of 27 ft. span, springing" from light stone columns with carved 
capitals. The lectm-e room is about 30 by 40 ft. in size, with 
a raised floor. 

The remainder of the E. wing on this floor is occupied by 
a large dining-liall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary 
department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with kitchens, 
bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large 
dormitories in the attic above. 

The W. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students 
of the college, with its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall 
of this wing a stairway atlords access to the tower. In the 
basement under this wing is an extensive laundry, steam- 
drying rooms, and store-rooms, while the basement undei" 
the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. 

In the chapel is a flne plaster cast of Abbe de I'Ep^e, taken 
from his tomb in the old church of Saint Roch, Paris ; also 
one of Abbe Sicard. The former, about the jenr 1760, de- 
veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf 
mutes bj^ means of natural signs. Abbe Sicard subsequently 
perfected the system. There is also a portrait of the Rev. 
Thomas H. Gallaudet, formerly principal of the American 
Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was sent 
abroad to acquire the system of instruction by natural signs. 
He chose the French system, now in use by the Institution 
and College, and also generally throughout tlie United States. 
The E. building is occupied by the primary department, 
and contains several school rooms, chapel, librar}^, reception 
parlor, private rooms of instructoi-s, and dormitory foi- boys, 
and another in a remote part of the building for girls. The 
W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of 
the main central building is the tinished wing of a dormitory 
for College students. The value of the property is $350,000. 

Mount Olivet Cemetery (open every day) lies on the 1. of 
the Columbia turnpike, -| m. IST. of the E. terminus of the 
Columbia horse railway. It comprises 70 a. It was incoi-- 
13orated in 1862, in the names of the parish priests of the 
four Roman Catholic churches of Washington. The grounds 
are well laid out, and shaded w^ith oak and evergreens. 
Father Matthews, one of the earliest priests wlio arrived iu 
the city after its occupation hj the Government, is buried 
here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Rose- 
cranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; Mrs. Surratt, executed 
for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; am! ^ 
Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- 
vional soldiers during the rebellion, 1861-'65, and executed 
in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 



228 GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there 
is a neat superintendent's residence. 

Graceland Gemetery {open from sunrise to sunset) is situated 
immediately outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus 
of tiie Columbia horse railway. The cemetery was opened 
in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. 

Keforin. School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- 
manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore 
turnpike, 2 m. from the E. terminus of the Columbia horse 
railioay. The school, which is for boys only, was established 
hj Congress in 186G, and is under the supervision of the 
Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- 
ment farm, on the Aqueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, 
but owing to the unhealthiness of that section was, in 1871, 
removed to its present situation. The farm comprises 150 a. 
The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the 
fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the 
rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. 
above tlie Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command 
a view of four railroads, portions of AVashington, the National 
Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, tlie Mary- 
land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of countrj^ 
into Maryland and Virginia. 

The main building is occupied by the superintendent, 
boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The 
reception room for strangers is on the 1. of the main entrance. 
On eitiier side of tlie main building are two detached wings, 
occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. 
The boys divide tlieir time in the school and shops. The 
boys are kept till i-eformed or their majority. The buildings 
and grounds will be greatly imjDroved. 

Zoological Society was incorporated in 1870, with authority 
to import animals free of dut3^, and granting the free use of 
water from the Aqueduct. The site secured for the purpose 
comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of 
the Columbia horse railway., and extends to the Anacostia. 
On tlie ground is Gibson's spring, which will be converted 
into fish ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-'6o, a pipe from 
this spring supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- 
lished in the adjacent valley and on the neigliboring hills. 

G-overnment Hospital for the Insane, (visiting days, Wednes- 
days., from 2 to 6 p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of 



ALEXANDRIA. 229 

the Anacostia, is accessible from the Navy-yard terminus of 
the Pennsylvania av. street cara^ across the bridge at the fuot 
of 11th St. E., and by the high road ascending the hill towards 
the r., which passes the gate. Tlie village at the S. end of 
the bridge is known as Uniontown. The distance from the 
horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution is 
for the use of the army and navy and District of Columbia, 
and embraces indigent and independent patients. The gen- 
eral supervision is under the Secretary of the Interior, and 
it is supported by the National Government. The home 
tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a wall 9 ft. high. Subsequent 
additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., which 
is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which f ui- 
nishes occupation for many of the patients. The commodious 
structure is of brick, occupies the crest of the range of hills 
overlooking the moutli of the Anacostia, and consists of a 
centre, -with connecting ranges and receding wings, with 
buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled parapet. 
The centre is four stories, and the wings three and four 
stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accommo- 
dations for 550 patients, though the number generally ex- 
ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. to 
females. The centre contains the residence of the superin- 
tendent and staff oflScers, dispensary, and chapel. There 
are six billiard tables for patients. In the basement are the 
kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in the 
rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shops, 
barn, and stables. The institution was opened in 1855. 
Prior to that time the insane under the care of the Govern- 
ment were sent to Baltimore. 

Alexandria. — This city, originally called Bellliaven, stands 
in Virginia, on the r. bank of tlie Potomac river, at the con- 
fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Wasli- 
ington. Tlie boats of the Washington and Alexandria ferry, 
from the foot of 7th street W., 'reached b.y liorse cars, run 
every hour from 6 a. m. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. m. 
Single fare 15 cts., round trip 25 cts. The steam cars leave 
at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the depot 
on 6th St., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesquely 
situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surrounded 
by a fertile and well-cultivated country. The town was 
founded in 1748. In 1755 five colonial governors met here in 
connection with Braddock's expedition, which started here. 
In the early colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore in 
commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities at- 
tractive of trade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryland 



230 ALEXANDRIA. 

beyond the successful rivalry of the quaint Virginia town on 
the Potomac. 

During the Revolution it was a point of great strategic im- 
portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- 
burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the 
sea,"plannecl an attack on the town, designing, hy holding 
this position, to cut oft' communicatiou between the IST. and 
S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. 
Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of 
the place. Among other evidences of this affection he be- 
queathed £1,000 for the bcnelit of a free school here. 

During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after 
Fort AVarburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up 
and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to 
the British squadi-on. Five days after the enemv's vessels 
left with 16,000 bbls. of flour, 1,000 hhds. of tobacco, and 
other propert}^, including 3 ships and some river craft. 

The city and countj'' Avere included in the original survey 
of tlie District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part 
on the W. side of the Potomac, was retroceded to Virginia. 

About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- 
insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the 
Potomac, is the initial point oi the oi'iginal boundaries of the 
District of Columbia. 

In the coint of the Mansion House, on Fairfax st., is an old 
structure known as Washington's Headquarters, having been 
occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At 
the intersection of Washington and Cameron sts. is Christ 
Episcopal Church, commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, 
built of bricks imported from England. The interior has 
been renovated of late years ; thougli some of the wood-work 
about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated 
with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of 
this church. His pew was 'No. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A 
little back is pew ISTo. 46, used by Robert E. Lee, General of 
the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to 
worship. Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have 
been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- 
yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- 
house, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. ISTear the 
city is a National Cemetery, which contains the remains of 
3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. 

A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the 
city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The 
shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, 
steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are 
tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad commimication 



MOUNT VERNON. 



231 



with t)^'^ N. and S. A new line, to connect with the Balti- 
more and Ohio Kaikoad at Bladensburg, is now being built, 
and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population is 
13,570. 

Mount Vernon, steamer daily, except Sunday, at 10 a. ?«., 
from iha foot of 7th st. W., reached 
hj horse-cars, fare $1.50 round trip, 
to include admission to tlie grounds. 
Distance, 15 m. Eeturn 4 p. m. 

Leaving the whai-f, the boat runs 

close to the shore, and along the 

Arsenal grounds, at the foot of 

which the Anacostia enters the Po- 

_ tomac. IHie village on the ]•. is 

M Uniontown, and on the liill is the 

^^i^g^^-'''?^^^ ]S"ational Insane Asylum. On the 
_- _.=.^=^. '"''""''*| 1. is the Na\y Yard. On tlie S. 
I point of the river is Giesboro'. Dur- 
^ ing the rebellion a large number of 
cavalry horses were kept here for 
the supply of the army. During a 
stampede on one occasion over 1000 
were drowned in the river. The 
steamer now directs her course to- 
wards Alexandria, G m. below. Af- 
ter leaving Alexandria, the steamer 
passes Jones's point on the r. A 
lighthouse stands on the point at 
the location of the initial stone of the 
THE MANSION. bouudarics of the District, ftlanted 

in 1791. The lines extend NE. and NW. Hunting creek 
here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches at 
Fort Foote, an earthwork on the Maryland shore. Broad 
creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washington, 
on the same side. This is an old work, mounting guns in 
casemate and barbette. On the liigli ground opposite tlie 
fii-st view of the liome of Washington may be liad. The 
road from the wharf leads to tlie vault within which Is the 
marble sarcophagus containing the i-emains of Genn-al George 
Washington. By the side is another with the simple inscrip- 
tion, Martha, the consort of Washington, who died May 21, 
1801, aged 71 years. The obelisk on the r. approaching is to 
Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 
of the United States, a nepliew of General Washington, and 
to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1821). That 
on the i. is to John Auirustine Washington, to whom Mount 




232 



MOUNT VERNON. 



Vernon was bequeathed by Jiic'^e Bushrod Washington, died 
1832. The path to the r. leads towards the mansion. On 
the 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were 
first placed. 

The Mansion fronts NW., the reai looking- toward the river. 
It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. in length, 
surmounted by a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence 
Washington, brother to the General ; the wings were added 
by the General. It is named after Admiral Vernon, in whose 
expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and 
grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- 
ton. 

The Mount Vernon Ladies^ Association of the Union, incor- 
porated in 1856, purchased the mansion and contiguous 

grounds. In the hall is tlie key to 
the Bastile, presented to Washing- 
ton by Lafayette after the destruc- 
tion of that French prison, 1789. 
In the E. parlor are interesting 
relics of Washington — a dress, 
sword, spy-glass, water buckets, 
tripod. In the dining hall are 
portraits of Washington in 1786, a 
copy from Trumbull, and a copy 
from Stuart, 1795. The mantel, 
was carved in Italy and presented. 
In this room is the great painting 
of Washington before Yorktown^ by 
Rembrandt Peale. He is repre- 
sented as accompanied by Generals 
Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- 
coln, and Rochambeau, and giving 
orders to commence the entrench- 
ments before Yorktown. In the 
W. parlor is an old painting repre- 
senting the attack on Carthageua, 
Admiral Vernon commanding, 
1741, and Washington's holsters 
and camp equipage, also a globe. 
In the second stort/, at the head of 
tlie stairs, is Lafayette'' s room. The room In which Wash- 
ington died, December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- 
ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that 
on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- 
Uig eountiy from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion 
Itacing t]ie lawn arc the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a 
jvidern building", and the spinning and weaving house. On 




GRAVE OF WASHINGTON. 



DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 233 

the same side is the garden laid out by Washington. On the 
N. side are conservatories which replaced the old ones con- 
sumed by fire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters are 
near bj-. Ou the opposite side of the lawn are the family 
kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundry, and in 
the rear of all the stables. On the lawn are several ash and 
and a magnolia tree planted by Washington. 

Defenses of Washington.— The inauguration of actual hos- 
tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, l.'>, 
1861, warned the National Government of the necessity of 
measures of protection. One of the first thoughts was the 
securitj^ of the Nation's Capital. The hastily-improvised first 
defensive preparations, after some squeamish hesitation about 
iiLvading a State, were seconded by occupying the S. sliore of 
the Potomac, and holding the debouches into Virginia. This 
was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heights, from 
whicli the enemy's artillery could shell the city. On the night 
of May 23, 1861, the army, in three columns, crossed the 
Potomac, one, under Major Wood, by the Georgetown Aque- 
duct; another, under Major (General) Heintzelman, by the 
Long Bridge; and the third, under Colonel Ellsworth, by 
water to Alexandria. Fort Corcoran, a tde-de-pont^ was 
commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works, 
Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, ai-ound the 
head of the Aqueduct, Forts Runyon, on the lowland — a tete- 
de-pont — and Albany, on Arlington Heights, covering our 
debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort Ellsworth, on 
Shuter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed the basis of the 
line S. of the Potomac. By the time of tlie advance of 
McDowell's army, seven weeks, these works were nearly 
completed. 

The Bull Eun disaster made it apparent that a protracted 
war was inevitable. Tlie Heights of Arlington were eftect- 
ively fortified by intermediate works, and, with Fort Run- 
yon, formed a '"'' couronne^^^ covering the bridge and lieights. 
These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of 
impregnable fortifications winch later encircled the Capital. 
The system of works, constituting and approprlatcl.v desig- 
nated the Defenses of Wasliington^ were divided into four 
groups. 1. Those S. of the Potomac^ commencing with Fort 
Lyon, below Alexandi-ia, and terminating witliT Fort De- 
Kalb, (Strong,) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of the Chain 
'Bridge. 3. Those N. of the Potomac, between that river 
and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- 
minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia^ 
commencing with Fort Mahanand terniii;atino- with Fort 



234 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 

Greble, nearlj'^ opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from 
Fort Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 ni., and, including the in- 
terval across the Potomac, between Greble and Lyon, a total 
of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 1865, the De- 
fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- 
placements, for 1,120 guns, 807 of which, and 98 mortars, 
were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, 
having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 
block houses. There were also 32 m. of specially-constructed 
railitarj' roads. 

In 1864 the garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one 
division, under General DeEussy, four brigades, under 
Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schirmer — 11,011 
men ; IST. of the Potomac, one division, under Lieutenant 
Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under 
Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Pipei- — 18,863 men. To pre- 
vent a sudden Tlash, the minor roads w-ere obstructed by 
abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and 
the S. front were picketed with cavalry. An infantry divis- 
ion lay towards Bull Run, and infautrj^ pickets were stationed 
on the ]Sr. front. A provost guard of 1,776 men, under General 
Martindale, were on duty in Washington, and 1,090 men, 
under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the a.rtillerj^ depot 
at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. 

The garrisons varied in numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness 
of the Government, respecting the safety of the Capital, con- 
stantly required the presence of a large force. The exigen- 
cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions 
necessitated a reduction. 

The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwiielm Lee had 
caused the withdrawal of the well-trained artillerists, and 
their places were filled by new levies. As an oliset to the 
vigorous movements of the Ai-my of the Potomac, Early 
made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- 
ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On 
July 11, with 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, 
on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of 
Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the 
enemy, who retired the following night. 

The ruins of the now^ dismantled and deserted Defenses of 
Washington may yet be seen on almost eveiy eminence in 
the vicinity of the city. During their use thej^ accomplished 
an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- 
lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on* 
Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- 
lan's campaign against Richmond, and the i-etreat of Pope, 
in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fratricidal strife may 
never again revive the sad work. 



SECTION yi. 

HISTOM OF WASHINGTON, 




I HE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake and 
its tributaries was made in 1608, by Captain Jolin 
Smith, from tiie Jamestown settlement. He left an 
interesting narrative of his discoveries. He speaks 
of the "Patawomeke " as 6 or 7 m. in breadth, and 
navigable 140 m. The Indian name was Cohongu- 
roton, or river of swans. The shores of the gTeat bay and 
river had a large aboriginal population, not less than forty 
tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algonquin 
family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, and 
warring upon their neighbors. The point of the tongue of 
land now occupied by the Arsenal was the seat of the council 
fire. The Manahoacks occupied the lands between the rivers, 
but about 1669, after a severe war with the Powhatans, were 
overcome, and fled to the West, where they joined the Tus- 
caroras. 

In 1634, Henry Fleet, with a party of Calvert's settlers, vis- 
ited the falls of the Potomac. In 1663, a tract of land 400 a., 
called Koom, (Kome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gentle- 
man, on the east side of the Anacostian river, and to the 
mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Captain 
Kobert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoining 
on the same date. The lauds of the western portion of the 
city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid out in 
1681 for William Langworth. All w€re in Charles county, 
province of Maryland. 

In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the Ana- 
costia, ISTotley Young, in the forks of the river and to the 
northward, and David Burns on the west, towards G-eorge- 
town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observatory^ 
was a settlement called Hamburg, previously Fnnkstown. 
On the Anacostia, a short distance above the Arsenal, was 
CarroUsburg. The arable lands were tilled, and produced 
wheat, tobacco, and maize. 

On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamation of 

(235) 



236 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

a, cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in 
Xorth America and the mother country, the subject of a per- 
manent capital for the general government of the United 
States of America was incidentally alluded to in Congress. 
In March, 1783, the legislature of N'ew York offered to cede 
the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. 
Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same 
purpose; also $180,000 if selected. 

A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location 
of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some of the 
growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, 
Kaskaslvia, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that ''an 
amazing value would be added to that important territory ; " 
that it would *' accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and 
population," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- 
guish the national debt; that Congress should assume plen- 
ary jurisdiction over a compass of twenty ipiles square ; should 
form a government "on the most perfect plan of modern re- 
finement ; " in place of certificates, should award the lands in 
the vicinity "to those brave officers and men who served in 
the late glorious war." These, Spartan-like, it was expected, 
would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," 
or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- 
ginia, was oftered at the same time. 

On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of 
a State, as they existed at that time, beginning with Kew 
Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey 
and Maryland received the highest number of votes, but no 
choice was made. The next day, on a resolution by Eldridge 
Oerry, the location of the "Federal City" was voted on or 
near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- 
tee of five was appointed to examine the locality and report. 
On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- 
ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or G-eorgetown, 
and a committee was appointed to examine and report on that 
site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile 
Congress was to meet alternately at Trenton and Annapolis. 

The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. 
The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the 
Potomac unfavorably on that location, though they thought 
better of a site above G-eorgetown, or 1^ m. below, at Funks- 
town. On December 20, 1784, it was decided inexpedient to 
^rect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 
three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of 
not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side 
-of the Delaware, within 8 m. above or below the falls. 

Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Md.; 1791-'95, 



HISTORV OF WASHINGTON. 237 

Daniel Carroll, Md. ; 1791-94, David Stuart, Va. ; 1794-1800, 
Gustavus Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Tiiornton, Penn. ; 
1795-1802, Alexander White, Md.; 1800, William Cranch, 
Md. ; 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. 

The Constitution of the United States, 1787, ^ave Cong-ress 
the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what- 
soever over such district, not exceedino- ]0 m. square, as may,, 
by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Con- 
gress, become the seat of the Government of the United 
States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) 

The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer- 
ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to 
enter into tliis question, confronted bj'" a strongei* evidence of 
sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Resolutions 
fi-om the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitions 
and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, and 
frequently offering gi*eat inducements. Districts of 10 m« 
square, with the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were 
offered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the 
General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- 
sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. 
As an additional inducement, Virginia offered $120,000, and 
Mai-yland $72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted 
Philadelphia, the district of South wark, and part of the 
Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the 
inhabitants of Trenton, in ISTew Jersey ; Lancaster, Wright's 
Ferry, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, and German- 
town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetovai, in 
Maryland. All expressed their willingness to come under the 
aegis of Congress and the Constitution, and pictured in glow- 
ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- 
niences of access which their respective localities possessed. 
The newspapers of the day frequently took a humorous view 
of this patriotic competition, and in prose and verse gave vent 
to considerable good-natured sentiment. 

In the second session the Capital question was again agi- 
tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- 
town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, were all 
urged ; but the act establishing the temporary Seat of Govern- 
ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 
1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the 
mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- 
cheague, a tributarj^ of the upper Potomac, to be ready for 
the sessions of Congress by the first Monday in December, 
1800, was finally passed, and approved by Washington July 
16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 yeas and 12 nays, and 
in the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 



238 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

ment was effected as a compromise with the advocates of a 
fiscal measm'e known as the assumption of tlie State debts. 
The majorit.Y of the votes of the Middle States going- witli 
the South, gave the majority for the Potomac. 

Tlie Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- 
ated the $120,000 previously offered, payable in three annual 
installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- 
land gave an order for the payment of the $72,000 donated 
by that State. The December before, the same Legislature 
passed an act for providing for the condemnation of land, if 
necessar}', for the public buildings. On Januarj^ 22, 1791, 
the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to 
superintend the affairs of the city. On January 24 the Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to hiy 
<lov/n the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : 

First, by running a line from tlie court-house of Alexan- 
dria, in Virginia, due SW. J m., and thence a due SE. course 
till it struck Hunting Creek. This was to be the initial 
point, from whicli tlie first line was to run due ISTW. 10 m. ; 
the second into Maryland due NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 
10 m. ; and the fourth due SW. 10 ra. to the beginning, on 
Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. The 
original act required the location of the District above the 
mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- 
form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, 
approved March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of 
the act of Jul}^ 16, 1790, but required the public buildings to 
be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the 
completion of the necessary legislation on the subject, Presi- 
dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He 
arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- 
story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving 
at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three 
commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew Ellicott and Major 
Peter Charles L'Enfant, he rode over the ground. The same 
night a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting a re- 
conciliation with the property owners. There were some 
who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- 
posed city without making a reasonable concession to its 
success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The 
general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the 
original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, 
dated March 30, 1791, at Georgetown, which defined the lines 
of the Federal territory accepted by Congress, and ordered 
the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines 
permanently'- marked. 

The President now left for a brief visit to his home at 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 



239 



Moiiiit V(n'non ; tlieiice lie proceeded to Richmond, Va., to 
consult with Gov. Bevcii.y Randolph respecting- the payment of 
the $120,000 appropriated hy the Commonwealth of Virginia 
towards the building of the Capital. On April 13 he wrote, 
informing the commissioners that the Governor was willing 
to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed upon. 
On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular meet- 
ing at Georgetown. On April 15 the initial or corner-stone 
of the lines of tiie Federal territory was formally planted in 
the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew Ellicott, 
the surveyor, and the Masons and many citizens of Alexan- 
dria. James Muir, the pastor of that Episcopal parish, deliv- 
ered a sermon. On June 29 a final settlement was ellected, 
by which the lands ceded to the Government were conveyed 
in trust to Thomas Beall, of George, and John jM. Gantt, of 
]VIaryland, or their heirs, for the United States. The streets, 
squares, parcels, and lots were to be laid out, and conveyed 
by the trustees to the United States ; the residue of the land 
was to be divided equally. For their sliare the United States 
were to pay £25, or ^QQ 66f an a. The streets and squares 
went to the Government free. There were other stipulations 
respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the 
proprietors. They were also permitted to occupy the lands 
till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the 
streets and reservations w^re never conveyed to the commis- 
sioners. The law officer of the Government and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, however, have decided that the 
United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- 
ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession 
of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain 
powers and duties of the commissioners, who were also au- 
thorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed 
with the others, of lots in Hamburg and Carrollsburg. The 
inhabitants of Georgetown, who so requested, were to be in- 
cluded, provided they conformed to the general terms of 
the agreement, which they declined. 

The laying out of the citj^ according to the plans prepared 
by L'Enfant, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 
1791, was carried out under the direction of Andrew Ellicott, 
a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- 
ments, and who had executed a number of important sur- 
veys. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1820. 

The first step was the establishment of the "meridian 
line" through the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W. in- 
tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution 
of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on 
Sept. 8, 1791, certain regulations were prescribed in regard 



240 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

to the erection of private building's, and the present names of 
the city and District and designation of the streets were 
adopted. Tiie first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- 
ment had 10,136, tool^ place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. 
A large number of purchasers were present from all parts of 
the country, and tlie prices paid ranged from $26 66 to $306 59. 
During the summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners 
also made preparations for the commencement of work early 
in the following spring. Contracts for building material and 
food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's 
island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. 

The President's House was the first of the public buildings 
commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public 
buildings will be found, with their description, in the Hand- 
Book. 

The building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a 
number of that class of persons who, though poor in means, 
were still rich in schemes. Among the earliest was one 
Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for 
permission to build an entire street, which was granted. After 
considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was 
abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and 
Blodgett's being all in anticipation. Undaunted, however, 
the same person undertook the erection of a great hotel, the 
funds for which were to be raised by lottery, the hotel being 
the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was 
drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- 
mained unfinished till purchased, j^^ears after, by the Govern- 
ment for the Post and Patent Offices. 

In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement 
with Robert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 
lots, at $80 a lot, payable in seven annual installments, with- 
out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and 
annually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. 
The above two and John Nicholson bound themselves to ful- 
fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- 
tion of the contract, which led to the serious embarrassment 
of the commissioners. 

One of the great obstacles in the way of^ the commission- 
ers in the beginning was the scarcity of skilled workmen. 
Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- 
tions were made from abroad. The slaves from the adjacent 
plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. 

In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under 
the direction of the President, to borrow $300,00p, and, at 
the same time, assumed a supervision of the afiairs of the 
city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 241 

semi-annually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeting 
with no success in negotiating their loan in Holland, whence 
the first application of the commissioners was made, the As- 
sembly of Maryland came to their rescue by granting them 
a loan of $100,000. 

The election of John Adams at first excited some solicitude 
on the part of the friends of the Federal city, in considera- 
tion of tlie opposition to the selection of tlie Potomac site 
shown by the New England States in the discussion and vote 
in Congress hi 1790. The President, however, gave assur- 
ance of a determination to carry out the views of liis prede- 
cessor. 

In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted another 
$100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also ad- 
vanced by the State of Maryland. The next year $50,000 
was obtained from the same source, on the personal security 
of the commissioners. 

In February, 1800, they executed the papers necessary to 
the security of all the loans or advances to the city, both 
from the State of Maryland and the National Government, 
amounting to $300,000, exclusive of the last loan of $50,000. 
For that purpose they pledged all the property in the city 
sold or contracted for before that time, and upon which pay- 
ments had not been made. The land acquired or purchased 
for the United States and yet unsold, exclusive of lots for- 
feited for non-payment of purchase money and then liable to 
be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. frontage on 
navigable water, valued at $884,750. The debt was $144,125, 
and contracted for on the- credit of the above funds of $360,- 
881. Tlie N. wing of the Capitol, the President's House, 
and War and Treasury OfBces, the fii-st commenced in 1797, 
were ready for occupation. A number of dwellings had 
been erected by private parties in the vicinity of the Capitol, 
President's House, and Greenleaf's Point. Pennsylvania 
av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the President's 
House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connecting 
the widely-scattered parts of the city were also opened. The 
reservations around the Capitol and Pre^dent's House were 
planted. A turnpike -was also opened to Baltimore. Suita- 
ble provisions having been made by act of Congress dated 
April 24, "^800, the archives of the Government w^ere con- 
veyed to Washington. The Executive and ofllces were 
transferred at the same time. On November 21 Congress 
commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. Con- 
gress assumed Jurisdiction over the District of Columbia in 
1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryland 



242 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

Bhould continue respectively in force in the portions of the 
District ceded by those States. 

In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and 
succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, who was re- 
quired to settle up all accounts, and to sell a sufficient number 
of the lots pledged for the repayment of the loan of $200,000 
fi'om the State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of 
interest and installments. In event of an unwarrantable sac- 
rifice of the property to meet these demands, the sale was to 
cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Treasury of 
the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to 
meet the loan of $50,000 from the State of Maryland, or, if 
not sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. 

Mayors of Washington. — 1802, Robert Brent ; 1812, Daniel 
Rapine ; 1813, James H. Blake ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, 
Samuel M. Smallwood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. 
Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van 
Ness; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. 
Seaton; 1850, Walter Lenox; 1852, John W. Maury; 1854, 
John T. Towers; 1856, W. B. Magruder; 1858, J. G-. Ber- 
rett ; 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bowen ; 1870, M. G. 
Emery. 

GovernoKs of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. 
Coolie ; 1873, A. R. Shepherd. 

On May 3, 1802," the municipal government was created by 
Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- 
served supreme jurisdiction. The affairs of the county, and 
the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to 
a board known as the levy court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- 
ritorial form of government was substituted. 

The most important event in the history of the Capital 
since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The 
President (Madison) and the Cabinet, over-confident of the 
safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of the Bi-itish, who 
controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make 
suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 
3,500 raw militia, l^astily concentrated and badly handled, 
were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 
strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 
24, 1814. Commodore Barnej^, with a few hundred sailors 
and marines, and Beall's Maryland militia, made a stubborn 
resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of 
the troops, who had fled almost without a fight, fell back to 
the Capital, proposing to defend that point.' From here he 
was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, 
leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. ' 24^ 

retreated towards Montgomery Court House, having beer 
preceded bj'' the President and Cabinet and other prominent 
officers of the Government. The total force of Americans 
available was 7,000 men, but through mismanagement, the 
incapacity of Gen. Winder, the commander, and tlie inter- 
ference of tlie President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary 
of War, not more tlian half that number reached tlie field, 
and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of 
attack. The whole British force which landed on the Puu- 
tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took part 
in the fight. The American loss was 26 killed and 51 wounded, 
and the British 150 killed and 300 wounded. 

At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle the enemy bivouacked 
on Capitol EQU. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi- 
dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War offices. Long 
Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, 
were bm-ned the same night, also some private buildings. 
The Navy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks, and 
Ai'gus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed by 
order of the Secretary of the JSTavy. The explosion of pow- 
der in a well at the arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 of the 
British. 

On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated the 
Capital. To use the words of one of the British officers, the 
retreat ''was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as was 
natural for a retreating army under such circumstances." 
On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoners 
by the cavalry harassing the rear. Nearly 200 of the dead 
left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti- 
mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. 

The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29, 
and re-embarked the next day. 

The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the inhab- 
itants of the surrounding country, who were being rallied by 
the Secretary of State, )sh\ Monroe. It was resolved to cut 
off the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, however, 
frustrated these patriotic proceedings. 

When the question of the i-estoration of the public build- 
ings was under discussion, a long and bitter debate ensued, 
evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the city, 
but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time the most seri- 
ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, how- 
ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was made 
for the repair or re-erection of the buildings on their old 
sites. The estimated loss was $1,000,000. 

In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west bank 
of the Potomac was retroceded to Vira^inia. In 1850 the sale 



244 • HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was 
abolished in the District. 

During the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital liad every ap- 
pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of 
mighty armies, called out for the defense of the Constitution 
and the Union. On the surrounding hills were military 
camps ; in the city were hospitals and stores ; and the ave- 
nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and 
trains. 

The infusion of a new element into the population of the 
Capital was one of the important results of the rebellion of 
1861-'65. It was not, however, till a decade later that a sys- 
tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In 
that time the number of the inhabitants increased nearly 
fifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed 
itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- 
nience, instead of necessity^ The ideas of Washington, Jeffer- 
son^ and L'Enfant, after a*sleep of more than three quarters 
of a century, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad 
streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni- 
ficence of the Caj^itol and the imposing proportions Of the 
structures occupied by the various Executive Departments 
of the Government. Elegant residences, fine churches, 
commodious school-houses, and many public and private 
institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that the 
Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and 
liberality of the nation, and the least inviting of American 
cities. At the same rate of improvement, in ten years the 
Capital of the U nited States will be one of the most beauti- 
ful in the world. These gratifying results are unquestion- 
ably due to the interest and zeal of President Grant, and to 
the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd. 



INDEX. 



Adams, John, painting of, 123. 

Admiral's Office, 140. 

Agriculture, Department of, 156; 

Grounds, 156 ; Plant Houses, 156 ; 

Building, 157; Museum, 159; 

History of, 161. 

District of Columbia, 11. 

Committe on, 114. 

Museum of, 159. 

Alexandria, 228; History of, 229; 

Washington's Headqu'rs, 229; 



Christ Church, 229; National 

Cemetery, 229. 

Canal, 214, 229. 

Allegory, Brumidi's, 76. 
Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. 
Amusements, general, xiv. 
Anaeostia river, 15, 49. 

Channel, 49. 

Analostan Island, 214. 

Antiquities, European, 191. 

Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- 
tributing Reservoir, 217; Re- 
ceiving, 217; Cabin John Bridge, 
218; Falls of the Potomac, 218. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 

Architects of the Capitol, 114. 
Area of Washington, 3. 
Arlington House, 215; National Cem- 
etery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. 

Armory, 196. 

Square, 38. 

Army, Headquarters of, 136. 

Army Medical Museum, 167. 

Arsenal, 172. 

Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. 

Associate Justices, list of, 89. 

Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- 
diers' and Sailors' Orphans' 
Home, 202; Columbia Hospital 
for Women, and Lying-in, 202; 
.. Washington. 202; Louise Home, 
203; Providence, General, 203; 
Washington City Orphan, 203; 
Children's Hospital, 204; St. 
John's Hospital, 204: St. Ann's 
Infant, 204; St. Joseph's Male 
Orphan, 204; St. Vincent's Fe- 

(245) 



Asylums- 
male Orphan, 204; Epiphany 
Church Home, 204; Home for 
the aged, 205; Deaf and Dumb, 
225; Insane, 227. 

Attorneys General, list of, 155. 

Avenues, 24. 

— — Description of, 26. 

Improvement of. 25. 

Bache, A. D., grave of, 206. 
Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 63. 
Baptism of Pocahontas, painting, 74. 
Basement, House of Reps., 113. 
N. wing, 104. 

Senate, 101. 

S. wing, 105. 

Battery and electric gas-lighting 

apparatus, 77- 

Battle Record room, 170. 

Benning's Bridge, 53. 

Benton, bust of, 97. 

Birds, 39. 

Bladensburg, 224; Ijattle-field of, 
224; duelling ground at, 224; 
Calvert mansion, 224. 

Battle of, 241. 

Board of Public Works, 9, 207. 

Boarding, viii. 

Boone in conflict with the Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Booth, assassin, 173. 

Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 
41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- 
cal class room. 42; fJoint Com- 
mittee on the Library, 42 ; Botan- 
ical collection, 42; Centre Build- 
ing or Rotunda, 43; East range 
and wing, 43; West range and 
wing, 44; Superintendents, 45; 
History, 45. 

Botany, District of Columbia, 12. 

Boundaries, Di.'^trict of Columbia, 6. 

Washington. 4. 

Boundary street, 30, 31. 

Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy 

Yard, 53; Benning's, 53; Balti- 
more and Potomac Railroad, 53; 
Aqueduct, 53; Chain, 53; Penn- 
aj'lvania av., (Rock creek,) 53, 



246 



INDEX. 



Bridges — 

214; M-st., 53; P-st., 53; James 

creek canal, 53; Culverts, 53; 

Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; 

Mountain Spring, 218. 
Bronze door, main, 67. 

Senate, 90. 

— '- Staircases. 94, 109. 

Brown, General, grave of, 20(3. 

Cabin John Bridge, 218. 

Cabot, relievo of, 70. 

Canals, 50; Washington, 50; James 
creek, 50; Chesapeake and Ohio, 
213 ; Alexandria, 21-1, 229. 

Cannon captured, 172, 174. 

Capital, a virgin, 1 

Capitol, 5G; Situation, 56; Street 
cars to, 57; Site of, 57: Ap- 
proaches, 57; Grounds,'5S; Gen- 
eral exterior view of, 58; First 
terrace, 01 ; Fountain, 01 ; Sec- 
ond terrace, 01 ; General exte- 
rior description, 02; Dome, 63.; 
Statue of Freedom, 61; Porticos, 
65 ; Statuary, 65, 66 ; Main Broiize 
door, 07; Kotunda, 69; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70; 
Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent 
of the Dome, 77 ; Battery and 
electric gas-lighting apparatus, 
77; Panoramic view of Wash- 
ington, 77; Library of the United 
States, 79; North wing, 87; N. 
or Senate Exten.sion, 90; Stair- 
cases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97; 
Senate Chamber, 99 ; Basement, 
100; Comfnittee rooms, 101; 
Heating and ventilating, 103, 
114; N. wing basement, 104; 
Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104; 
Undercroft, 104; National Stat- 
uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex- 
tension, 108; Staircases, 109; 
Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112; 
House of Representatives, 112; 
Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 
114; Capitol police. 114; Archi- 
tects, 114; History, 114. 

Hill, 15,57. 

History of, 114. 

Selection of site of, 17. 

Street, E., N., S., 31. 

Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, 

(Holmead,) 205; Congressional, 
205; Arlington, (Military,) 210; 
Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- 
diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 
224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- 
ry's. 224; Mt. 01ivet,.226: Grace- 
land, 227; National, (Alexan 
dria,) 229. 

Ceremonies, xiv. 

Chain Bridge, 53. 



Chapul tepee, storming of, painting, 

96. 
Chase, grave of. 212. 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. 

Chief Justices, busts of, 87. 

list of, 89. 

Childrens' Hospital, 204. 

Chronicle, The, 200. 

Church, Christ, Alexandria, 229. 

Kock Creek, 223. 

Churches, list of, xiii. 

Washington, 197. 

Circles, Washington, 39; 14th street, 
39; 13th street, 39; P street, 39. 
City Hall, 171. 
City Spring, 198. 
Claims, U. S. court of, 89. 
Clinton, George, statue of, 107. 

grave of, 205. 

Climate, District of Columbia, 13. 

College, Deaf Mute, 225. 

Georgetown, 213. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. 

Institute, for the deaf and 

dumb, 223. 

Columbian University. 220. 

Columljus, relievo of, 70. 

Commissioners of Washington, 235. 

Committee Rooms — Senate — 101; 
Military Affairs, 102 ; Naval Af- 
fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign 
Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102; 
Library, 102. 

House, 114; Agriculture, 114. 

Commerce, 50. 

Congress, 120. 

Continental, Presidents of, 119. 

Continental, Sessions of, 119. 

History of, 118. 

Congressional Library, (see Library 
of the U.S.,) 79. 

Connecticut av., 25-27. 

Conservatories, President's, 123. 

Constitution of the U. S., original, 
128. 

Ratification of, 119. 

Convent of the Visitation, 212. 

Copyrights, 86. 

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189; Stat- 
uary, 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- 
quities, 191 ; Paintings, 191. 

Corcoran, W. W., 192. 

Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. 

Crypt, the, 104. 

Culverts, 53. 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. 

Deaf Mute College, 225. 

Declaration of Independence, 148. 

Signing of. painting, 71. 

Defenses of Washington, 232. 

Delaware av., 24, 28. 

Department of State, 128; Treasury, 

131; War, 136; Navy, 140; Inte- 



INDEX. 



247 



Department of State — 

rior, 142; Post Office, 151; Jus- 
tice, 154; Agriculture, 156. 

Discoverj'' of America, statue. G8. 

Discovery of the Mississippi River, 
painting, 75. 

Distances to Great Fails Potomac, 
217. 

Tables of. xix, 3. 

)istrictot Coin in Ilia— Geographical 
situation. 5; Boundarie.^i, G, 237; 
Political Divisions, 7; Govern- 
ment, 7; Finances, 9; Popula- 
tion, 9; Statistics, miscellane- 
ous. lU; Vital Statistics, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- 
culture. 11; Topography, 11: 
Geology. 11; Botany, 12; Zoolo- 
gy, 12; Ornithology, 12; Ichthy- 
ology, 13; Herpetology, 13; 
Climate, 13. 

Government, 207; Governor's 

Otfice, 207; Hall of the Legisla- 
lative Assembly, 207; Board of 
Public Works,' 207; Fire De- 
partment, 207; Metropolitan 
Police, 20S; Jail, 208. 

Document Libraries, 97. 112. 
Dome, Capitol. 63; Ascent of, 77. 
Door, Main, House extension, 109. 
Dow. Lorenzo, grave of, 205. 
downing, A. J., 39. 

Vase, 178. 

Drive, the, 29. 
Duddington Mansion, 210. 
Duelling Ground, 224. 
Easby's Point, 49. 
Education, Bureau of, 142. 
Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. 
Elevations, Washington, 16. 
Elevator, 95. 

Ellicott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. 

marks the site of Capitol, 17. 

Embarlvation of the Pilgrims, paint- 
ing, 75. 

Embellishments proposed, 17. 

Engineer's Office, 41. 

Environs of Washington — George- 
town, 211; Analostan Island, 
214; Arlington House and Na 
tional Cemetery, 215; Fori 
Whipple, 216; Aqueduct and 
Fallsof the Potomac, 217; Kal- 
orama. 220; Meridian Hill, 220; 
Columbian University, 220; Way- 
land Seminary, 220; Howard 
University, 221; Soldiers' Home. 
221; Grave of L'Enfant, 2-i2: 
Rock Creek Church and Ceme- 
tery, 223; National Cemetery. 
223; Glenwood Cemetery, 224; 
Bladensburg, 224; Columbia In- 
etitute for the Deaf and Dumb. 



Environs of Washington — 

and Deaf Mute College, 225; Mr. 
Olivet Cemetery, -I-M; Grace- 
land Cemetery, 227; Reform 
School, 227; Zoological Society, 
227; Goveinment Hospital for 
the Insane, 227; .Alexandria,' 
228; Mount Vernon, 230; De- 
fenses of Washington, 2:!2. 

Epiphany Church Hnine, 204. 

Etiquette, xiv. 

Executive av , 28. 

Buildings, 56. 

Mansion (See Presidt's House.) 

121. 

Offices, 121. 

the, 127. 

Exten-'ion of city, 52. 

House, Capitol, 108. 

Senate, 109. 

Farragut Square, 36. 

statute of, proposed, 46. 

Fillmoie, portrait of, 123. 
Finances, District of Columbia, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Fire Department, 207 
Flags, captured, 137. 
Folding Room, Senate, 101. 
Foote. Fort, 230. 
Foreign Capitals, 5. 
Formalities, xiv. 
Fountains, 48. 
Franklin School. 2ul. 

Square, .37 

statue of, 92. 

Freedom, statue of, 64. 

Frescos — Rotunda, Canopy, 76; Sen- 
ate Reception Room, 93; Senate 
Post Office, 93; Presid'ts Room, 
95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- 
ton, 101; Committee Rooms, 
Senate, 101 ; Military Affairs, 102; 
Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; 
Foreign Relations, 102; Judici- 
ary, 102; Library, 102; Western 
Staircase, House, 100; Hall of 
House, 113; Agricultural Com- 
mittee Room, 114. 

Galleries, Senate, 97. 

House, 112. 

Gas, lighting the city, 45. 
General information, vii. 
Genius of America, statuary, 65. 
Geographical location, Wash'n, 2, 

situation, Dist. Columbia, 5. 

Geology, 11. 

Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery, 211; High-service Reser- 
voir, 212; Convent of the Visita- 
tion, and Academy, 212; College, 
213; ChesJipeake and Ohio Ca- 
nal, 213; Aqued't,2l4; Wharves, 
214; Commerce, 214; Shad and 



248 



INDEX. 



Georgetown- 
Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge, 
214. 

Georgia av., 28. 

Gerry, El bridge, grave of, 205. 

Giesboro', 230. 

Glenwood Cemetery, 224. 

Government Dist. Columbia,?, 207. 

— - Washington, 4. 

Seat of established, 120, 235, 236, 

237. 

— — spring, 221. 

Government Printing Office, 168; 
Public Printers, 169; History, 
169. 

Governor's Office, 207. 

Governors list of, 241. 

Graeeland Cemetery, 227. 

Green, General, statue of, 107. 

Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd- 
Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wil- 
lards', 199. 

Hamilton, statue of, 107. 

Hancock, John, statue of, 96. 

Harbor, improvement of, 51. 

Potomac river, 48 ; Harbor, 49 ; 

Potomac channel, 49; Anacostia 
channel, 49 ; of Georgetown, 49; 
Main channel, 49. 

Heating and Ventilating Senate, 
103; House, 114; 

Herpetology, 13. 

Historic Relics, 148, 187. 

Historical Paintings — Rotunda, 70; 
Declaration of Independence, 
71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; 
Surrender of Cornwallis, 72; 

>. Resignation of General Wash- 
ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- 
hontas, 74; Discovery of the 
Mississippi River, 75; Landing 
of Columbus, 75; Embarkation 
of the Pilgrims, 75. 

Historical Retrospect, 55. 

Holmead Cemetery, 205. 

Home for the Aged, 205. 

Home, Soldiers', 221. 

Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; 

Hotels, vii. 

House of Representatives, 120; Hall 
of, 112 ; Speakers of, 121. 

Howard University, 221. 

Hunter, John, portrait, 167. 

Hydrographic Office, 140. 

Ichthyology, 13. 

II Penseroso, statue, 107. 

Indian Office, 142. 

Warrior, bronze, 109. 

Indiana av., 28. 

Initial stone of D. C.,, 229, 230. 

Insane Asylum, 227. 

Interior Department, 142; Bureaus, 
142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- 



Interior Department — 

dian Office, 143; Bureau of Ed- 
ucation, 142 , Survey of the Ter- 
ritories, 144; Secretaries, 144; 
The Department, 145. (See Pat- 
ent Office.) 

Secretaries, list of, 144. 

Jackson, statue of, 34. 

Jail, 206. 

Jefferson School, 201. 

statues of, 109, 122. 

Jones' Point, 230. 

Judiciary, The, 89. 

— — Square, 37. 

Justice, Department of, 154; Attor- 
ney General's Office, 154; Por- 
traits, 155; Attorneys General, 
155; The Department, 156; Bu- 
reaus, 155. 

Justice and History, statuary, 91, 

K street, 31. 

Kalorama, 220. 

Kearney, General, statue of, 107. 

Kentucky av., 25, 28. 

Kosciusko, bust of, 107. 

La Salle, relievo, 70. 

Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 90; 
House, 112. 

Lafayette Square, 34. 

portrait of, 113. 

Landing of Columbus, painting, 76. 

Landing of the Pilgrims, reliero, 70. 

Latitude, 2. 

Law Library, 86 ; Description of, 104. 

Legislative Hall, 207. 

L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, 16; 
origin of plan, 19. 

grave of, 222. 

Librarians of the United States, 83. 

Libraries, United States, 79; Con- 
gressional, (see United States,) 
79; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force, 81; 
Jefferson, 84; Document, H. R., 
112; Odd Fellows', 199; Young 
. Men's Christian Associat'n,199; 
Georgetown College, 213. 

Library of the United States, 79; 
Library Halls, 79 ; proposed new 
building, 79; Volumes, 80; Com- 
parison of libraries, foreign and 
home, 80; Collection of books, 
80; Smithsonian Library, 81; 
Force Library, 81; Ri^Mes of, 82; 
Document Libraries, 82; View, 
83; Librarians, 83 ; History, 83; 
Jefferson Library, 84; Copy- 
rights, 86; Law Library, 86. 

Lincoln, painting of, 124. 

Assassination of, 166. 

Bust of, 107. 

Square, 38. 

Statue of, 107. 

proposed, 38. 



INDEX. 



249 



Lincoln Hall, 199; Free Reading 
Room, 199 ; Library, 199 f- 

Livingston, Statue of, 107. 

Lobbies, Senate, 94; House, 109. 

Lodgings, vii. 

Long Bridge, 52. 

Longitude, 2. 

Louise Home, 203. - 

Louisiana av., 28. 

Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 167. 

M-street Bridge, 53. 

Mace, 109, 113. 

Macomb, General, grave of, 206. 

Marls, the,xii. 

Maine av., 28. 

Mall, the, 19. 

Magazines, 177. 

Marble room, 94. 

Marine barracks, 176. 

Markets, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 
209; Western, 209; Northern, 
209. 

Maryland av., 25, 27. 

Masonic Temple, 198. 

Mason's Island, 214. 

Massachusetts av., 25, 27. 

Mayors of Washington, 241. 

Meridian, first U. S., 166. 

Hill, 220. 

Missouri av., 28. 

Monument, Washington Nat'l, 192. 
Morton, Dr , painting, 1G7. 
« Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. 
Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; 

the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- 

ciation, 231. 

Place, 37. 

Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. 

Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 
Medical, 107; Ordnance, 170; 
Naval, 174; National, 181; Cor- 
coran Gallery of Art, 191. 

Nautical Almanac, 141. 

Naval Hospital, 202. 

Observatory, 1G3; Site, 163; De- 
scription, 163 ; Instruments, 164 ; 
Superintendents, 164; History, 
165. 

Navy Department, 149; Secretary's 
office. 140; Admiral's oflice, 140; 
Hydrographic oflBce, 140; Nau- 
tical Almanac. 141; Secretaries, 
141 ; the Department, 141. 

Secretaries, list of, 141. 

Yard. 174; captured cannon, 

174; Buildings, 174; Museum, 
174; History, 175. 

Bridge. 53. 

Neale, Archbishop, grave of, 212. 

New Hampshire av., 28. 

New Jersey av., 25, 28. 

New York av., 25, 27. 

Newspaper oflSces, 199; National 



Newspaper office.'* — 

Republican. 200 ; Clironiclie, 200 j 
Evening Star, 200. 

North Carolina av., 25, 28. 

Oak Hill Cemetery, 211. 

Observatorv, Naval, 163. 

Octagcjn, The, 126, 140. 

Odd-Fellows' Hall, 198: Library, 199. 

Official Reporters' room. Senate, 
92; House, 109. 

Ohio av., 28. 

Ordnance office, 170; Museum, 170. 

Ornamental gardening, 39. 

Ornithology, 12. 

P-street Bridge, 63. 

Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; 
Perry's Victory on L. Erie, 92; 
Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- 
ing of Chepultepee, 96; Grand 
Carton of the Yellowstone, 107; 
Gen. Scott, 109; Westward Ho, 
109; John Adams, 123; Van Bu- 
ren, 123; Tyler, 123; Polk, 123; 
Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123; 
Washington. 124; Lincoln, 124; 
Portraits of Secretaries of War, 
136 ; Portraits of Attorneys Gen- 
eral, 155; Lovel, 167; Hunter, 
167; Morton, 1G7; Physic, 167; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191; Wash- 
ington before Yorktown, 231. 

Parking. 32. 

Parks, (see Reservations and Sq'rs.) 

Patent OfSce, 145; Description of, 
146; Model Rooms, 147; His- 
toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; 
History, 150. 

Peace, statue, 66. 

Penitentiary, 173. 

Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. 

Penn, \V., conference with Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- 
ing, 92. 

Physic, Dr., portrait, 167. 

Pierce, portrait, 123. 

Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

Plan of Washington, 16 ; Origin of, 
19 ; Execution of, 17. 

Plant Houses, 157. 

Pneumatic Tube, 103. 

Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- 
lievo, 70. 

Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 
114. 

Political Divisions D. C, 7. 

Polk, portrait, 123. 

Population, District, 9. 

Washington, 4. _ 

Postage, rates of, xiii. 
Postmasters General, list of, 164 
Post Office, City, xii, 153. 

Senate. 93. 



250 



INDEX. 



Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- 
. tion, 151; Postmaster General's 
Office, 153 ; City Post Office, 153 ; 
History of building, 153; Post- 
masters General, 154; The De- 
partmentj 154. 
Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. 

" the drive to, 217. 

River, 48. 

Presidents, list of, 127. 
President's House, 121; Grounds, 
122; Conservatories, 123; Sta- 
bles, 123 ; Description, Exterior, 
123; Interior, 123; History, 125; 
Presidents, 127; The Execu- 
tive, 1^7. 
President's Room, Capitol, 95. 
Progress of Civilization, statuary, 66. 
Propogating Garden, 41. 
Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. 
Providence General Hospital, 203. 
Public Printers, list of, 169. 
<5uarters, .30, 32. 
Railroads, viii, 54. 
Raleigh, relievo, 70. 
Rates of Postage, xiii. 
Rawlins Square, 37. 

statue of, proposed, 46. 

Reading Room, Free, 199. 
Reception Room, Senate, 93. 
Refectory, Senate, 92; House, 113. 
- Reform School, 227. 
Relievos— Fame "and Peace, 66; Co- 
lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La 
Salle, 70; Landing of the Pil- 
grims, 70; Pocahontas saving 
the life of Captain Smith, 70; 
William Penn in conference 
with the Indians, 70; Daniel 
Boone in conflict with the In- 
dians, 70 ; Allegories, in oil, 93 ; 
Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- 
city, 153. 
Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; 

House, 112. 
Reporters' Rooms. Senate, o7; 

House, 112. 
Representation in Congress, 120. 
Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old 
Hall, 105. 

Speakers of House of, 121. 

Republican, The, 200. 
Reservations, 21. 
Reservoir— see Aqueduct; 217. 

High Service, 212. 

Resignation of Washington, paint- 
ing, 73. 
Restaurants, viii. 
Retrospect, 20. 
Revolution, allegory, 76. 
Rhode Island av., 28. 
Rock Creek, 15. 
Bridge, 53, 214. 



Rock Creek Church and Cemetery, 

223. 
Rotunda, 69; Statuary, 70; Relievos,. 
70; Historical paintings, 70-75; 
Canopy, 76; Allegory, 76; As- 
cent of the Dome, 77. 
School, Reform, 227. 

Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 201 ; WaU 

lach, 201; Jefferson, 201. 

Colored, 201; Sumner, 201. 

History of, 201. 

Scott Square, 35. 

VVinfield, painting, 109. 

Statue of, 36. 

Seaton School, 201. 
Seminary, Wayland, 220. 
Senate, 120. 

Chamber, 99. 

Presidents of, 120. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room of, 

93 ; House, 109. 
Settlement of America, statue of, 66. 
Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; Slash 
Run, 32-34; Intermediate sec- 
tion, 33; B St. intercepting, 33; 
Tiber basin, 33. 
Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. 
Signal Office, 137; Instrumeat 

room, 137. 
Sixteenth st., 31. 

Scott Statue, 36. 

Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grounds, 
178; Downing Vase, 178; De- 
scription of building, 179; Ob- • 
jects, 180; National Museum, 181; 
Main Hall, 182; Gothic Hall, 183; 
WestHall, 184; South Vestibule, 
185 : Ethnological Hall, 186 ; Sec- 
retaries, 187 ; History, 187. 
Soil, 16. 

Soldiers' Home, 221. 
Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, 

202. 
South Carolina av., 28. 
Speakers House Representatives, 
120- 

Gallery of, 109. 

Room, 109. 

Squares — Lafayette, 34; Scott, 35; 
Farragut, 36; Sixteenth street, 
(Scott Statue,) 36; Franklin, 37; 
Judiciary, 37 ; Rawlins, 37 ; Mt. 
Vernon Place, 37 ; Circus lot, 38 ; 
Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38; Stan- 
ton Place, 38. 
St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. 
St. John's Hospital, 204. 
St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, 

204. 
St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asy- 
lum, 204. 
Stables, President's, 123. 
Staircases, Senate, E., 92; W., 96; 



INDEX. 



251 



Stalrcaaea — 

private, 94; House, E., 109; W., 
109; private, 109. 

Stanton, grave of, 212. 

Stanton Place, 38. 

Star, The Evening, 200. 

State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 
128; State, War, and Navy De- 
partment, 128; Secretaries, 129 ; 
History, 130 ; Bureaus, 130. 

Secretaries of, 129. 

State, War, and Navy Department, 
129. 

Statistics, District, 10; Vital, 10; In- 
dustry and Wealth, 10. 

Washington, 5. 

Statuary — Genius of America, 65; 
Discovery of America, 66 ; First 
Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 
G6 ; War, 66; Progres.<» of Civili- 
zation in the United States, 60; 
Chief Justices, 87; Justice and 
History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- 
cock, 90; Benton, 97; Gen. Green, 
107; Roger Williams^^lOT; Jona- 
than Trumbull, 107 ; Roger Sher- 
man, 107 ; George Clinton, 107; 
Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- 
ard Stockton, 107; General Kear- 
ney, 107; General Washington, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; Kos- 
ciuslvo, 107; Crawford, the Sculp- 
tor, li)7; Alexander Hamilton, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; H 
Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191. 

Statuary Hall, IDS.. 

Statues, 46; Greenough's Washing- 
ington, 59 ; Jefferson, 122; Jack- 
son, 34; Mills's Washington, 39; 
Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose'', 
<jS; Farragut, proposed, 36; Raw- 
lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172. 

Steamers, ix. 

Stockton, statue of, 107. 

Street Cars, ix. 

Street Railways, 54. 

Streets, 30. 

renomenclatnre, 31. 

Sub-basement, Senate, 103; House, 

114. 

Sumner School, 201. 

Superintendents Naval Observato- 
ry, 164. 

Supreme Court of the United States, 
87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief 
Justices. 87; Sessionsof, 88; the 
Chamber when occupied by the 
Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; 
Assoc iate..'v89; The Judiciary, 
89. «■ 

Surratt, Mrs., grave of, 226. 

Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. 



Surrender of Cornwallis, painting, 

72. 
Telegraph, 54. 

Offices, xiii. 

Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. 

Press, Senate, 99; House, 112. 

Tennessee av.. 25, 28 
Territorial buildings, 207. 
Territories, Survey of the, 144. 
Theatres, xiv. 

Tiber, 16. 

Time, difference of, xix. 

Topography, District, 11. 

Washington, 15. 

Treasury Department, description, 
131 ; Secretary's room, 133; Cash 
room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- 
ing the currency, 133 ; Bureaus, 
134; Photograph office, 134; 
Coast Survey, 135; Secretaries, 
135; History, 1.35. 

Secretaries of the, 135. 

Triangles, 39. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, 107. 

Tyler, John, portrait, 123. 

Undercroft, The, 104. 

University, Columbian, 220; How- 
ard, 221. 

Uniontown, 230. 

Van Buren, portrait of, 123. 

Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- 
house, 210. 

Vault or Undercroft, 104. 

Senate, 103; House, 114. 

Vehicles for hire, xii. 
Vermont av., 25, 27. 
Vestibule, Senate, 91 ; House, 109. 
Vice Presidents U. S., list of, 120 
Vice President's room, 94. 

View, panoramic, of Washington, 77 

Views of Washington, 15. 

Virginia av., 28. 

Wallach School, 201. 

War Department, 136; Secretary's 
office, 136; Gallery of portraits, 
136; Headquarters of the Army, 
136; Flag room, 137; Signal 
office, 137; Instrument room, 
137; the service, 138; Secreta- 
ries, 130; the Department, 139. 

Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. 

Secretaries of, list of, 138. 

Statue of, 66. 

Washington Asylum, 202. 

Defenses of, 232. 

Distances from, xix. 

Fort, 230. 

Washington city a virgin Capital, 1; 
Geographical location, 2; Se- 
lection of site, 2; Distances, S;,;*- 
Area, 3; Government, 4; Finan- ^' 
ces, 4; Population, 4; Statistics, 
5; Foreign Capitals, 5. 



252 



INDEX. 



Washington city, History of, 234; 

Commissioners, 235; Mayors, 

241 ; Governors, 241. 

Orphan Asylum, 203. 

Washington, Geo., portraits, Peale's, 

94 ; Vanderlyn, 113 ; Stuart, 124 ; 

Peale, 183, 231. 
Washington, Geo., commission of, 

128. 
Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- 

ough, 59; Mills, 39; Houdon's 

copy of, 107; early statue pro- 
posed. 18. 

Tomb of, 230. 

Martha, grave of, 230. 

Washington National Monument, 

192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; 

Description, 195; Lapidarium, 

196 ; History, 196. 
Water supply, 46; Early schemes, 



Water supply — 

47; Aqueduct, 217; Experimen- 
tal surveys, 218. 

Wayland Seminary, 2^. j 

Westward E.o,JM. / " > 

Wharves, 50. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Whipple, Fort, 216. 

White House-see Prest's House, 121. 

Williams, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Winder's Building, 170. 

Wirt, Wm., residence of, 210: grave 
of, 206. 

Wirz, execution of, 173; grave of, 
226. 

Yellowstone, Grand CaBon of, paint- 
ing, 107. 

Young Mea's Christian Ass'n, 199. 

Zoological Society, 227. 
• Zoology, District, 12. 



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